Awards
Each year, MPHA recognizes excellence in public health by awarding the following distinctions to organizations and individuals who make a difference in Maine.
Please join us for our 2025 Awards Ceremony: Thursday, June 12th, at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell!
Congratulations to all of our 2025 award winners!
Barbara Crowley
President's Award
The Presidents’ award is the highest award given by MPHA. Nominations are solicited and vetted by MPHA past presidents.
Chris Schwabe
Ruth S. Shaper Memorial Award
The Ruth S. Shaper Memorial Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution in the area of public health. The individual will have demonstrated a broad orientation to health promotion and disease prevention that extends beyond his/her specific profession or field of interest. For example, the individual may have made a meaningful impact in health legislation, health education, health policy development, or consumer advocacy at either the community or state level. Professional rank or status in an organization is not an important factor.
Theresa's Place, Penquis
Public Health Program of Excellence Award
MPHA recognizes effective, efficient, evidence-based and creative public health programs that you know of in your community, district or throughout Maine. The goal of the Program of Excellence Award is to increase the visibility of public health initiatives in Maine, to promote adoption of effective public health programs, and to provide recognition to organizations involved in successful collaborative public health initiatives.
Caleb Gray
Unsung Hero Award
Public health is at its best when we don’t realize it’s serving us – this award is for those who work hard every day to protect and promote public health in whatever capacity is needed, and with a commitment to excellence. The new award recognizes an individual, department or organization who has positively influenced public health in Maine from behind the scenes. This award was new for 2019.
Amy West
Rebekah Gass
Phebe Conrey King Access to Healthcare Award
The Phebe Conrey King Access to Healthcare Award recognizes an individual or individuals who have made a significant contribution to improving access to healthcare in Maine. The individual(s) will have demonstrated leadership abilities in promoting increased access to healthcare by all Maine residents. He or she will have made a significant contribution toward meeting the needs of the uninsured and medically under-served.
Austin Vaughan
Pamela M.B. Studwell Tobacco Policy Award
The Pamela M.B. Studwell Tobacco Policy Award is given to an individual whose dedication, persistence, and passion for improving lives has significantly advanced best practice tobacco policies in Maine.
Senator Rick Bennett
Public Health Policy Champion Award
This award recognizes a policymaker who has made a significant contribution to public health in Maine. This award was new for 2018.
Lori Valigra
Public Health Journalism Award
This award recognizes a journalist who has made a significant contribution to public health in Maine. This award was new for 2018.
Horch Roofing
Public Health Business Champion Award
This award recognizes a business for its leadership and commitment to integrating and promoting public health values into business practices. This award was new for 2018.
Ellen Taraschi
Public Health Rising Star Award
This award recognizes a young professional (<40 years old) who has made a significant contribution to public health in Maine. This award was new for 2018.