Posted on February 13, 2001 at 11:19 a.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is accepting nominations for Alabama's Public Health Hero for 2001 award. The school presents the award annually to a resident of Alabama in recognition of his or her paid or volunteer efforts to improve and protect the health of all Alabamians. Last year’s recipient was Dr. Sandral Hullett, a family physician in Eutaw, Alabama.

The Alabama Public Health Hero award acknowledges efforts such as calling attention to public health issues; developing and implementing community-based disease prevention programs to lower high blood pressure, obesity, tobacco and alcohol use; increasing cancer screening, cholesterol checks and seat belt use; and improving access to healthcare.

The UAB School of Public Health — the state's only public health school — conducts research and trains professionals to improve and protect the health of people in Alabama. "We know that if we are to be successful, we must bring greater attention to our public health heroes — those on the frontlines who are making a difference in improving the health and well-being of communities in this state," says Eli Capilouto, D.M.D., dean of UAB's School of Public Health.

The recipient will receive a plaque and $1,000. Funding for the award is provided by the Hill Crest Foundation. The award will be presented at the UAB School of Public Health annual honors convocation at the Alys Stephens Center on the UAB campus, Friday, June 8, at 2 p.m.

To receive a nomination form, contact the School of Public Health at (205) 975-7742. The deadline for nominations is Monday, April 16, 2001.