COMMUNITY HEALTH AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE LOU FULLER AWARD

The Lou Fuller Award for Distinguished Service in Eliminating Health Disparities was created in 2012 to honor the work and memory of Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) employee Lou Fuller.

The annual Community Health Awards recognize and acknowledge individuals or groups who make significant contributions to public health in Minnesota. Recognition of these accomplishments by elected officials and local and state public health staff is a long standing and honorable tradition of the annual Community Health Conference.

The deadline for nominations is July 27, 2012. The award will be presented by the Commissioner of Health on Wednesday October 3, during the Community Health Awards Ceremony at Cragun’s Conference Center. .

The Lou Fuller Award for Distinguished Service in Eliminating Health Disparities is given to an individual or organization who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to eliminating health disparities in populations of color and American Indians. Community organizations, elected officials, local CHS staff, tribal public health staff, volunteers, and state health staff are eligible for this award. Anyone can submit a nomination. Nominate a colleague for the Lou Fuller Award!

HONORING LOU FULLER

Lou Fuller was known as a collaborative community activist. She was instrumental in developing the MDH Office of Minority and Multicultural Health (OMMH). She was a leader in bringing the voice of populations of color and American Indians to the state legislature - raising awareness about the severity of health disparities in Minnesota and resulting in the creation of the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative (EHDI). Lou's collaborative efforts focused on improving health status for populations of color and American Indians and thereby strengthening the health of Minnesotans as a whole population.