The Paul & Sheila Wellstone Public Health Achievement Award is presented to a person who has distinguished themselves in public health through an outstanding contribution, which exemplifies MPHA's mission to promote and protect the health of individuals, families and the community. Additionally, the nominee should have either displayed leadership as demonstrated by the impact of his or her effort on the careers and accomplishments of other public health professionals, or have made a contribution that reflects innovation, creativity or a courageous pioneering effort consistent with professional excellence and public service. The award was renamed in 2003 in memory of the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1991 to 2002, and his wife Sheila Wellstone to recognize and honor the significant contributions they both made in promoting the health and well-being of all individuals.

Nominees:

1. May or may not be a current or past member of MPHA.
2. Should have made a contribution that exemplifies MPHA's mission to promote and protect the health of individuals, families and the community.
3. Should have distinguished themselves in the field of public health.
4. Should have made an outstanding contribution to the health of the public, and have:

a. Displayed leadership as demonstrated by the impact of their effort on the careers and accomplishments of other public health professionals, or

b. Made a contribution that reflects innovation, creativity or courageous pioneering effort consistent with professional excellence and public service.