1.The Minnesota Society for Public Health Education (MN SOPHE) announces the call for nominations for the 2026 MN SOPHE awards. This is an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the efforts of public health colleagues, champions, or students. Self-nominations are encouraged! The Award Nomination deadline is 8/26/2026. This year's award ceremony will be part of the MN SOPHE Summit on 11/5/2026 at Winona State University. To nominate yourself or someone else, submit the information below...

2.Please share your name, name of organization, organization address, job title, email address, and phone number.

3.Please share nominees Name, Organizations Name and Address, Title, and Contact Information (address, phone number, and email).

4.Please Share Nominee's Local Media Outlet(s) Contact Information (i.e. Newspaper, Radio, Social Media, etc.), if Known

5.For each award you selected, please share 5 to 8 sentences the best describes the nominee's relevance to the award (i.e. how has the nominee demonstrated leadership, strengthened public health education and/or improved the health of individuals and communities)?

Nominators are welcome to share specific stories, news articles, or other specific public health impact(s) related to the award(s) that reflect the nominee-- Please share relevant online links or directly email luke.ewald@dvhhs.org

6.Are You Interested Becoming a MNSOPHE Member?

Yes

No

Currently a Member

I'd Like to Learn More

If you're interested in becoming a MN SOPHE Member or would like to learn more, please share your name and contact information. MNSOPHE's website: https://mnsophe.wildapricot.org/

7.Please Select the Award(s) You're Nominating For.

Wellness Warrior Award- individual who champions mental health, trauma-responsive, safety, and/or resiliency work.

Emergency Preparedness Powerhouse- Individual who has played a key role in strengthening emergency preparedness or public health emergency by helping to ensure the safety of their community through dedication to planning and response efforts.

Clarifying Catalyst Award- Individual who demystifies data reports to drive change.

Community Connection Award- Individual who demonstrates strong partnerships and reach aspects in health advocacy and/or disease prevention.

Teamwork Titan Award- Individual who excels at developing leadership, teamwork, and collaboration within their organization. This award may also be used to nominate coalitions making in their communities.

The Green Guardian Award- Individual who demonstrates exceptional impact on environmental health initiatives.

The Heart of Gold Award- Caregivers or nurses demonstration exceptional empathy and human connection within the community and healthcare setting.

The Dose of Prevention Award- Individual who demonstrates outstanding efforts in curbing substance misuse.

The Public Health Reformer Award- Individual demonstrating the work of changing systems, whether through legislative reform or behind-the-scenes effort.

MN SOPHE Scholarship Award- This newly established award provides financial support for one (1) MN SOPHE member to attend a conference or training related to health education in 2025 or 2026. Nominees are NOT required to be a MN SOPHE member.

Dr. Judith Luebke Health Educator of the Year Award- This award exists to recognize a public health educator who exemplifies MN SOPHE’s mission to provide leadership to the profession of health education and promotion, and to promote our communities’ health. Examples of nominees can be health professionals, elected officials, or any individuals who have demonstrated leadership to advance community health. Nominees are NOT required to be a MN SOPHE member.

Student Recognition Award- College student who has demonstrated exceptional individual and professional growth, demonstrated inclusion of various cultures and values in their studies, and contributed to the promotion of health in their community. Nominees are NOT required to be a MN SOPHE member.