Nominations Open for “Community Health Awards”
Introduction
The University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) is accepting nominations for the 2026 Community Health Awards. Nominations may be submitted now through March 16, 2026. The timeline for the awards is earlier in 2026 with nominations due in March, and awards being presented in June.
UICOMP sponsors these awards to recognize on-going commitment to community health promotion and/or disease prevention in our community. A healthy community requires a high quality medical system along with programs to confront and manage concerns such as livable neighborhoods, family support, job opportunities, improved educational opportunities, hunger, homelessness; and adequate systems of transportation, public safety, and crime.
Awards are presented in two categories — one for an individual and the other for a group or organization.
Selection Criteria
Selection criteria is based promoting community health in one or more of the following areas:
- Promotes wellness
- Develops innovative educational programs/campaigns for the public
- Supports health services to the underserved and the community
- Leads or participates in research that helps to prevent disease
- Develops or works in programs that change “risky” behavior
- Uses teamwork to improve health, works collaboratively with others
- Sets a positive example or role model within the community
- Designs programs that impact healthcare costs and benefits
Deadline for nominations is March 16. For more information, contact Kim Deets at kdeets@uic.edu or phone (309) 680-8613.
The annual awards started in 1995 to honor individuals and organizations who promote community health in central Illinois. The awards will be presented in June during UICOMP’s Service Appreciation and Recognition Awards celebration.