2026 Call for Nominations 

The Ohio Public Health Association will present awards that recognize excellence in public health nursing, epidemiology, and public health academia at its Public Health Nursing and Epidemiology Conference to be held November 5-6, 2026, at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center, in Kent, Ohio. A description of each award is included below.  Use the nomination form below to submit your nomination no later than September 10, 2026. You can direct any questions to events@ohiopha.org.

2026 AWARD CATEGORIES 

Distinguished Public Health Nurse Service Award 

The Distinguished Public Health Nurse Service Award recognizes an exceptional public health nurse who has demonstrated a sustained and profound commitment to public health nursing. This award honors an individual whose career exemplifies leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the field, positively impacting community health and/or teaching through outstanding service, advocacy, and practice. 

Early Career Professional Award  

The Early Career Professional Award celebrates the achievements of a public health nurse or epidemiologist who has made remarkable contributions to the field of public health within the first five years of their career. This award acknowledges the recipient's dedication, innovative practices, and potential for future leadership in public health nursing or epidemiology recognizes efforts in advancing public health initiatives and improving community well-being. 

Innovation in Public Health Nursing Award 

The Innovation in Public Health Nursing Award honors a public health nurse who has introduced innovative and effective approaches to public health nursing practice and/or teaching. This award highlights new ideas and creative strategies, programs, or interventions that have led to significant improvements in public health outcomes, demonstrating the critical role of innovation in addressing public health challenges and advancing the field of public health nursing.   

Excellence in Epidemiology Award

The Excellence in Epidemiology Award honors an exceptional public health professional who has made outstanding contributions to the field of epidemiology. This award recognizes innovative research, effective surveillance strategies and teaching, as well as creating public health interventions that improve population health. It celebrates the achievements of practitioners and educators whose leadership, dedication, and expertise have made a lasting impact on public health in Ohio.  

 Excellence in Public Health Education Award

The Excellence in Public Health Education Award honors an outstanding public health academic professional who has made significant contributions to public health education through teaching, training, curriculum development, research, or community education. This award recognizes individuals who translate public health science into accessible, engaging learning experiences and who strengthen future public health professionals and the communities they serve through education. It celebrates educators whose leadership, innovation, and commitment have had a lasting impact on learners and public health practice.