2026 Ohio SOPHE Awards

Help Ohio SOPHE recognize the individuals and organizations making meaningful contributions to health education and public health across Ohio!

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Ohio SOPHE Awards. Award recipients will be recognized during the 2026 Health Educators’ Institute (HEI), held October 14–16, 2026, at Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center.

We encourage you to nominate a colleague, community partner, organization, or emerging professional whose contributions deserve to be recognized and celebrated.

Award Categories

Patty Kuun Ohio SOPHE Service Trophy

Established in 2009, this award honors the legacy and positive spirit of Patty Kuun and her longstanding dedication to Ohio SOPHE. The award recognizes an Ohio SOPHE member who demonstrates exceptional commitment and service to the organization through volunteerism, committee involvement, member engagement, event support, or other meaningful contributions.

Nominees are individuals who consistently go above and beyond to strengthen Ohio SOPHE, support its mission, and foster a positive and welcoming professional community. The nominee must be a current Ohio SOPHE member but does not need to be a current member of the Ohio SOPHE Board.

Outstanding Health Educator of the Year Award

This award recognizes an Ohio SOPHE member who has made exceptional contributions to the health education and health promotion profession. Nominees may demonstrate excellence through leadership, innovation, advocacy, scholarship, teaching, program development, or professional practice.

Nominees should demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence and have a meaningful impact on health education, health promotion, or public health practice.

Contributions to Public Health Education Award

This award recognizes individuals, organizations, agencies, or community groups that have made significant contributions to advancing public health education, health promotion, and community well-being. Ohio SOPHE membership is not required.

Nominees should demonstrate meaningful impact through leadership, innovation, service, advocacy, partnerships, or other efforts that have strengthened public health education and improved health outcomes.

Emerging Leader Award

This award recognizes a new health education or public health professional who has demonstrated exceptional promise, leadership potential, and commitment to the field early in their career. Preference will be given to Ohio SOPHE members.

An emerging professional is defined as an individual who has been working in health education, health promotion, or public health for one to three years. Nominees should demonstrate initiative, professionalism, and meaningful contributions through their work, service, leadership, or involvement in the profession.

Important Dates

Nomination Deadline: September 14, 2026

Award Recognition: 2026 Health Educators’ Institute (HEI), October 14–16, 2026

Submit a 2026 Ohio SOPHE Award Nomination

Questions about the Ohio SOPHE Awards can be directed to Past President Regan Johnson at Regan.Johnson@uc.edu.