AzPHA recognizes public health professionals, health professionals, and community members across Arizona who are performing extraordinary services to our community at our Annual Awards Event.  

This year, AzPHA will recognize nominees in the following categories: 

  • Policymaker of the Year 
  • Senator Andy Nichols Award
  • Pete Wertheim Public Health Leadership Award
  • Cele Cohen Nursing Award
  • Elsie Eyer Commitment to Underserved People Award 
  • Harold B. Woodward Award 
  • Corporate Public Health Service Award 
  • Health Education Media Maker Yearly (HEMMY) Award 

SAVE THE DATE! REGISTRATION OPENING SOON.

Thursday, October 29, 2026

5:30 – 8:30pm

Social Hall Tempe

715 S McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85288

Please share your stories and recommendations on who AzPHA should recognize at our 2026 Arizona Public Health Awards. 

2025 Awardees

Public Health Research Award

Dr. Megan Jehn (Arizona State University, SORT)
Dr. Kristen Pogreba Brown (University of Arizona, SAFER)

Pete Wertheim Public Health Leadership Award

Barbara Lang (Cochise County Health & Social Services)
Jeanne Nizigiyimana (Valleywise Health Center for Refugee and Global Health)

Alida Montiel Indigenous Health & Advocacy Award

Frances Villescaz (Gila River Health Care, AIHEC)

Rising Public Health Champion Award

Jeffrey Hanna (Zeihan Pro Health)

Senator Andy Nichols Award

Karen Woodhouse (ADE, Eyes on Learning)

Policy Maker of the Year

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

2026 AzPHA Public Health Awards