Public hea​lth workers from around the state have responded to a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and continue vital public health work with great innovation and unbelievable dedication. What has been most impressive is the single-minded effort across the state to reduce glaring health disparities among so many communities in every corner of California.  

This year marks 154 years of public health in California, the second oldest state public health department in the nation. I am also moving into my fourth year as CDPH's Director and State Public Health Officer, and I am looking forward to presenting our highest public health award, the Beverlee A. Myers Award for Excellence in Public Health, to this year's recipient. This award recognizes the contributions of public health and health care services professionals in improving the health status of everyone who calls California home and the millions who visit each year. 

The Beverlee A. Myers award is presented annually to an individual, not currently working at CDPH, who has exhibited outstanding leadership and accomplishments in public health in California.  

Established in 1993 in honor of the late Beverlee A. Myers, this award reflects the leadership and dedication to all aspects of public health improvement exemplified throughout her 25-year career, including her service as director of the California Department of Health Services from 1978 to 1983.  
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A selection committee, including the director, assistant director and chief deputy directors of CDPH, will review the nominations and select this year's recipient. The Beverlee A. Myers award will be presented to the public health professional that best exemplifies the following characteristics: 

• Dedication and accomplishment in improving the health status of all Californians  

• Ability to work collaboratively and provide leadership within the public health and health service delivery communities 

• Creative methods to promote essential public health services 

• Sensitivity to addressing the needs of special populations and reducing disparities in health care and health outcomes 
  

Last year, we had one of the largest nominee cohorts, so we are looking forward to your nominations this year. If you nominate more than one person, each nominee requires a separate nomination letter. All nominations must be received by Friday, April 5, at 5:00 p.m.  In your nomination letter, please include the following information about the nominee: ​

• Name  

• Phone numbers (both work and mobile)  

• Email address (both work and personal) 

• Mailing address  

• Complete a thorough narrative of why you are nominating the individual 

• A copy of your nomi​​nee's CV or resumé is NOT required, but can be helpful 

You can submit nominations via email to Michael Marks at InternalComms@cdph.ca.gov. If you have any questions or need additional information, please call Michael at (916) 825-5657. 

You can also submit a hard copy of your nomination(s) to: 

Michael Marks 

California Department of Public Health 

Office of Communications 

MS 0502, P.O. Box 997377  

Sacramento, CA 95899-7377  

The 2024 award recipient will be recognized and asked to speak at a special in-person/virtual awards ceremony scheduled for Monday, May 6, 2024. 

We encourage you to take the time to recognize your colleagues for their outstanding public health accomplishments and achievements. Your consideration of this request is greatly appreciated.  

A list of past recipients of the Beverlee A. Myers award follows.  

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Serving with you,

Original signed by Dr. Tomas Aragon

Tomás J. Aragón, MD, DrPH

Director and State Public Health Officer

California Department of Public Health