The SHEA (Sharing Health Education and Awareness) Myrtle Evelyn Davis Public Health Trailblazer Award recognizes the significant and meaningful contributions women working in the public health, social service, health care, education, and nonprofit sectors in Hancock, Harrison, or Jackson County make toward improving the health of African American women, babies and families, specifically in the areas of breastfeeding, tobacco cessation, and active living.
The award is named for civil rights activist and leader Myrtle Evelyn Davis, who was a staunch supporter of rights for African Americans and women on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. To nominate someone for the Myrtle Evelyn Davis Trailblazer Award, complete the form below or click here to download a PDF version of the nomination form, which should be emailed to trailblazer@sheahealth.org.
The aforementioned professionals must support the advancement of health in African American community in several different ways, and nominees for the award should include professionals who:
- Have demonstrated clear and longstanding support for improving the health of African American mothers and babies, especially by supporting and encouraging breastfeeding, promoting tobacco cessation and smoke-free environments, and promoting active living;
- Advocated for the health and well-being of African American mothers and babies, including to work to normalize breastfeeding, promote smoke-free policies, and establish or support active living programs;
- Promoted diversity and inclusion in public health or the medical field, especially by supporting an increase in the number of African American women in the public health and medical fields; and/or
- Developed or contributed to the development of publications, programs, projects, and/or initiatives that emphasize and prioritize promoting healthy behaviors among African American mothers and families.
Selection Criteria
Recipients of the award will have exceeded the expectations of the typical responsibilities of their function and field. In addition, recipients will have demonstrated a commitment to leadership, collaboration, partnership, and/or advocacy directly related to improving health among African American mothers, babies, and families in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties.
All nominations for the award will be considered, but the selection committee will give priority to women with a specific emphasis on African American women. To be considered, nominations must:
- Be on behalf of a person who currently resides or works in Hancock, Harrison, or Jackson County
- Include a letter of support from a member of the Healthy Mothers, Babies, and Families Collaborative
Deadline
The deadline for submissions is Friday, August 28, 2020.