Newsmakers: July 2010

Baker awarded Frank A. Calderone Prize

Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in May awarded APHA member Susan P. Baker, MPH, the Frank A. Calderone Prize for her work to bring the prevention of injuries to the forefront of public health and public policy. Baker is professor of health policy and management at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University and a founder of the school’s Center for Injury Research and Policy.

Community health focus of new institute

CommonHealth Action in April launched the Institute for Public Health Innovation to serve as a regional center to improve community health throughout the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland. The institute will serve as a nexus for convening public and private sectors from a wide range of disciplines to develop and implement innovative strategies to improve the health of the public.

Lake to lead UNICEF

UNICEF in April welcomed Anthony Lake, PhD, as its new executive director. Lake, who replaces Ann M. Veneman, previously served as a professor in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Murphy lauded for infection control achievements

Denise M. Murphy, MPH, RN, CIC, in March was named the 2010 recipient of the Carole DeMille Achievement Award by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. An infection preventionist for more than 30 years, Murphy is vice president for quality and patient safety at Main Line Health System in Philadelphia.

Kansas State University honors Akers

For her outstanding accomplishments in public health and contributions to Kansas State University’s Master of Public Health Program, Jennifer Akers, DVM, MPH, in April was recognized as outstanding student and faculty member. A recent graduate of the program, Akers is a veterinarian and clinical assistant professor at Kansas State University’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

Maryland health agency honored for H1N1 response

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health in Maryland in April received the Maryland H1N1 Immunization Excellence Award from the Maryland Partnership for Prevention, which sponsored the award to recognize the outstanding efforts of agencies and providers in preventing transmission of 2009 H1N1 influenza in Maryland.

Critical Impact Award announced

The Council on Foundations in April awarded the 2010 Critical Impact Award to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Hitachi Foundation. The two foundations were lauded for launching and supporting a national initiative that addresses the needs of low-wage health care workers while inspiring innovations in job training, career advancement and health care delivery.

Hansen to lead advocacy at American Cancer Society

Christopher W. Hansen in April was appointed president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society. Hansen will lead efforts supporting laws and policies that help people fight cancer and advance the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives and create more birthdays.