Annual Awards

TPHA recognizes outstanding efforts and leadership in its members and partners each year through the awards listed below.  Nominations are currently being accepted for 2023.  Nomination can be made online here and are due no later than midnight (Central Time) on June 30, 2023.  Awardees will be announced at the Awards Luncheon on Thursday, September 21, 2023 during the annual conference at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro, TN. 

R. H. Hutcheson, Sr. MD Award

This award is named in honor of Dr. R. H. Hutcheson, Sr., Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Public Health for many years. The award is to be presented to that person in the field of public health who has made outstanding contributions to public health over a period of several years.  The nominee must have been a member of TPHA for a minimum of five (5) years and an Active or Life Member of the Association in the year the award is given.  

Alex B. Shipley, MD, Award

This award is named in honor of Dr. Alex B. Shipley, Health Director of the East Tennessee Grand Division for a number of years. An outspoken advocate of public health, Dr. Shipley’s work contributed greatly to building local health department infrastructure in Tennessee. This award is to be presented to an employee of a regional or local health department who has made outstanding contributions in the field of public health over a period of several years. The nominee must be a member of TPHA for five (5) years, including the year upon which the award is based. 

Public Health Worker Award

This award is presented to that person in the field of public health who, during the past three years, has provided outstanding service to the field. The person must be in full-time employment in the field and must hold active or life membership in the Association.  

Public Health Work Group Award

This award is presented to a local, regional, or state public health group, unit, or department that has made an outstanding contribution to public health. At least a portion of the team must be a current member of TPHA during the year in which the award is given.

Partner and Leadership Award (Individual and Group)

This award is presented to a non-public health professional, group, or organization that has made a significant contribution on behalf of public health, which is extraordinary and would set an example for others. At the discretion of the Awards Committee, two separate categories of PAL Awards (group/organization and individual) may be presented in a given year.  

The Doris Spain Award for Distinguished Service

The Doris Spain Award for Distinguished Service award recipient is recommended based on their significant contributions made to the Association and approved by the TPHA Board of Directors.  

Member of the Year

This award recognizes the TPHA member who demonstrates commitment to the Association in 3 areas – volunteerism, leadership and representation of the organization.  

Award Criteria
Award Nomination Form
Previous Award Winners