Nominations sought for Kupchella Preventive Medicine and Wellness Awards

GRAND FORKS, N.D.—Nominations are being sought for the Charles E. Kupchella Preventive Medicine and Wellness Awards. The awards recognize the achievements of an individual and an organization who have worked to improve health and wellness through lowered rates of disease and disability by developing and delivering effective health promotion and prevention initiatives. Named for former University of North Dakota (UND) President Charles E. Kupchella, the Kupchella Preventive Medicine and Wellness Awards will be presented Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m., during the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences M.D. Class of 2015 commencement awards luncheon. UND is seeking nominations of individuals and organizations in North Dakota and surrounding states who have contributed significantly to disease prevention and healthful living. Consideration will be given to those who have made significant contributions in the field of health promotion and disease prevention, including the clinical, education and research areas; demonstrated excellence in a function or on a project related to prevention or health promotion; or taken initiative, shown innovativeness or persistence, had an effect or made a difference in prevention or health promotion for rural Americans. Projects may address one or more of the goals and focus areas outlined in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\u27 Healthy People 2020. See www.healthypeople.gov for more information. Areas of special interest are promotion of physical activity, reduction of overweight or obesity, reduction or elimination of tobacco use, reduction or elimination of substance abuse, promotion of responsible sexual behavior, or reduction or elimination of injury and violence. The nomination should briefly address the following: Why should this individual or organization be considered for this award? What are the key outcomes and achievements of the program, policy, contribution or initiative? Describe the nominee\u27s accomplishments. A résumé or CV and up to three letters of support may be included. Emphasis will be given to programs that demonstrate creativity and innovation, leadership, sustainability, replicability and effectiveness. The nomination letter and supporting materials are due by 5 p.m., March 20, 2015, in the Office of the Dean, UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 501 N. Columbia Road, Stop 9037, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037. The award recipients will each receive a $500 cash award and a commemorative plate. Pictures of the recipients will be displayed on a plaque at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The awards have been made possible by a gift to the UND Foundation from the late Manuchair Ebadi, former senior advisor to the president and associate vice president for health affairs and medical research at UND, and associate dean for research and program development at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences