HS PAC Responder of the Year Award

The HSO Responder of the Year Award was established in 2004 to recognize a Health Services Officer who has made extraordinary contributions to the Public Health Service and the Health Services Category with regard to responding to critical events impacting the health of others.

The recipient of this award may earn this prestigious honor in a number of ways, including a combination of the following contributions:

• Having one-time extraordinary impact on public health preparedness and response and /or
• Having a career of contributions to emergency preparedness and/or disaster response and/or
• Having played a significant role in one or multiple deployments
• Having completed training and education applicable to preparedness and preparedness response
• Having participated in publications and/or presentation in the public arena related to preparedness and response
• Having a significant impact on the agency's mission: the deployment of the officer crucially affects their duty station

The recipient of this award must also demonstrate a willingness to give credit to the U.S. Public Health Service for deployment activities, including wearing the uniform with pride and distinction while deployed, crediting the U.S. Public Health Service in presentations and publications and exemplifying the roles and responsibilities of a Commissioned Corps Officer. Additionally, the nomination must demonstrate how the accomplishments are above and beyond their usual duties and responsibilities of the nominee per their billet or job description.

In October of each year, COA publishes a call for nominations in their newsletter, asking that each Chief Professional Officer submit one nomination for an officer to be considered for the Commissioned Corps Responder of the Year Award. These nominations are received by the Director of the Office of Force Readiness and Deployment no later than close of business on December 31 of that year. Nominees must be active duty or retired members of the Commissioned Corps of the USPHS. In February of the following year, a selection committee convenes to review nominations and select the award winner.

1. Nomination cover sheet.
2. Narrative, not to exceed 2 pages (font size 10 to 12), that describes:
   1. The nominee's achievement(s) and the impact on the nation's health, and
   2. The leadership of the nominee in the achievement(s) being cited, and how s/he serves as a role model to others.
3. Current curriculum vitae and CV summary sheet.

Nominations that do not follow the correct format will not be reviewed. Award criteria and nominations forms for this award may also be obtained by contacting: CDR Cecile Town at cecile.town@ihs.gov or by calling 505-248-4233.

* Current voting members of the HS PAC are not eligible to receive this award.
** All Nominees must meet and maintain Readiness Standard throughout the year.

Recipients of the Health Responder of the Year Award