More than 150 public health practitioners, partners and advocates gathered for the annual Celebration & Awards luncheon hosted by the Indiana Public Health Association (IPHA).
The event recognized the efforts made over the past year, including a historic investment in local public health services across the state.
“I am truly honored to have shared this event with such a passionate and dedicated group of public health professionals, students, and partners,” said Robin Vida, IPHA president. “Together, we are part of a powerful movement to prevent illness, promote health and ensure that every individual has the opportunity to lead a long, healthy life. Public health thrives on collaboration — it is never a solo endeavor.”
The event highlighted the Health First Indiana investment and enhanced county-level efforts to learn about health needs and implement programs based on prevention. All 92 counties have opted-in to participate in 2025. Services include injury prevention, chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health and more.
Eight awards were presented in seven categories. The winners are:
- Outstanding Public Health Student: Jacob Otile.
- Emerging Public Health Leader: Andrea Janota.
- Distinguished Public Health Service Award: Douglas Bentfield.
- Outstanding Local Health Department: Communicable Disease Division, Vanderburgh County Health Department.
- Outstanding Public Health Advocate: Valerie Yeager.
- Public Health Communications and Media Award: Eskenazi Health, Fresh for You Market.
- Public Health Impact: Purdue University Center for Health Excellence, Quality and Innovation.
- Public Health Impact: New Leaf-New Life.
For more information about IPHA, visit inpha.org.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
