MDHHS Seeks Nominations For Hometown Health Hero Awards

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' award criteria might be a little different from those of the Michigan Healthcare Freedom's Defender Award:

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2025/11/25/hometown-hh

Nominations sought for Hometown Health Hero awards
By Laina Stebbins - November 25, 2025

Deadline for nominations is Friday, Dec. 19

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership, a collaboration of 13 organizations working to increase the visibility of significant accomplishments in public health, is seeking nominations of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to preserve and improve their community’s health for its annual Hometown Health Hero awards.

Hometown Health Hero awards are presented every spring as part of Michigan Public Health Week. Award recipients will be honored at a reception Wednesday, March 18 in Lansing.

Michigan Public Health Week is observed as part of National Public Health Week to recognize public health contributions and to highlight issues that are important to improving the nation’s health. Each year, the American Public Health Association develops a campaign to educate the public, policymakers and health care providers about issues related to that year’s theme.

“As we look toward a healthier future for every Michigan resident, it’s important that we recognize the individuals and organizations leading the way,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “The 2026 Hometown Health Hero Awards honor those addressing critical public health issues and creating safer, stronger communities.”

The online nomination form is available at Michigan.gov/MPHW and must be submitted no later than Friday, Dec. 19.

The following organizations make up the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership: Central Michigan University Public Health Programs, Eastern Michigan University Master of Public Health Education, Grand Valley State University Master of Public Health Program, Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Association for Local Public Health, Michigan Association of Medical Examiners, Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Michigan Public Health Association, Michigan Public Health Institute, Michigan State University Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Wayne State University College of Human Medicine Family Medicine program and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

For questions, please email Jim Koval at KovalJ@michigan.gov.