Public Health Recognition Awards
The Section gives out Public Health Recognition Awards for individuals, organizations, and students each year.
Student Recognition Award:
The Student Recognition Award is given annually to a graduate or professional student who demonstrates distinguished leadership and excellence among peers and who makes a significant contribution to public health promotion in the local community beyond the university setting.
Individual Recognition Award:
Eligible individuals should have made substantial contributions to the health of the community through their work in any aspect of public health.
Organization Recognition Award:
Eligible organizations are private, public, non-profit, faith-based, or public-private partnerships whose mission targets enhancing the health of citizens, neighborhoods, and/or communities in the Greater Philadelphia region.
Past Award Recipients
Individual Recognition Award: Rosemary Frasso, PhD, MPH, FCPP; Thomas Jefferson University
Organization Recognition Award: Code Red PA (coderedpa.org)
Student Recognition Award: Masha Morozov, University of Pennsylvania
No awards given due to COVID-19 pandemic pause in activities.
Individual Recognition Award: Thomas J. Nestel, III
Organization Recognition Award: PennEnvironment (environmentamerica.org)
Student Recognition Award: Tolulope Oyetunde, University of Pennsylvania
Individual Recognition Award: Jose Benitez, MSW, Executive Director, Prevention Point Philadelphia; President and Treasurer, Safehouse Philadelphia
Organization Recognition Award: Public Citizens for Children and Youth: https://www.pccy.org
Student Recognition Award: Fatima Jackson, La Salle University
Individual Recognition Award: James Plumb, MD, MPH, Jefferson College of Population Health
Organization Recognition Award: Philadelphia Department of Prisons
Student Recognition Award: Elaine Tran, University of Pennsylvania
Individual Recognition Award: Robert Simmons, DrPH, MPH, MCHES, CPH, Jefferson University
Organization Recognition Award: LaSalle Neighborhood Nursing Center
Student Recognition Award: Alia Salam, Jefferson University
Individual Recognition Award: Amy Jessop, PhD, MPH, Prevention Point Philadelphia
Organization Recognition Award: Healthy NewsWorks
Student Recognition Award: Karie Youngdahl, Jefferson University
A list of past winners can be provided upon request by email to