The 2008 Injury Control and Emergency Health Services Section Awards Banquet was held in conjunction with the 136th APHA Annual Meeting. Approximately 100 Section members, family and colleagues convened to watch as awards were bestowed for Distinguished Career, International Distinguished Career, Excellence in Science and Public Service. Gathering for the event at the Bali Hai Restaurant on Tuesday, Oct. 28, Section members commuted mostly by chartered water taxis to the San Diego favorite where they celebrated the accomplishments of colleagues.
Barbara Barlow presented the long overdue Distinguished Career Award to Susan Baker for her long history of personal scientific contributions as well as the mentoring of students and young colleagues in the injury field. Jack McLean and his wife Jill traveled from Adelaide, Australia for Dr. Mclean to receive the ICEHS International Distinguished Career Award for his landmark work in motor vehicle safety. Larry Cohen did the honors of introducing Dr. Mclean and highlighting his accomplishments. The Excellence in Science Award was presented by former winner Ted Miller to Corrine Peek-Asa for her scientific contributions that have advanced the injury field. Lee Annest presented the Public Service Award to David Lawrence for his work on SafetyLit.
APHA special service Section awards went to John Lundell for his exemplary service in Section communication. His monthly newsletter is a key publication for keeping members abreast of activities in the field as well as the section. Billie Weiss received special recognition for her outstanding service representing the Section on the Governing Council. Doug Wiebe received special recognition for his two-year contribution to scientific programming. Although he is leaving programming, he will remain in an advisory capacity to the incoming program chair. Nancy Nachreiner was recognized for her outstanding four-year service as membership chair or co-chair. Nancy was instrumental in reversing the trend of declining Section membership, regionalizing membership and also mentored a group of young Section members in membership. Although she is relinquishing the chair’s position, she will continue in an advisory capacity to the incoming chair that she recruited and mentored.
Acceptance of award nominations for the 2009 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia is under way. Nominations should be submitted to Chair-elect Jennifer Taylor of Drexel University. See the related article in this newsletter.