NIHB Outstanding Service Awards Criteria
Each year, NIHB invites nominations for awards recognizing excellence, achievement, and contributions that go "above and beyond" the call of service and honors efforts made by individuals, organizations, and programs that have enriched and improved American Indian/Alaska Native health, health systems, or policy.
Award nominations are open to Tribes, individuals, organizations, and programs that serve Tribes and Tribal organizations.
Area / Regional Health Warrior Award
Pays tribute to an individual or organization whose work has contributed to improving American Indian / Alaska Native health care or has affected change on an Area or regional basis. This work may have been done at the Area Indian Health Board or state level, for example, leading a program or advocating for a legislative or policy change. (Twenty-four awards will be given.)
Advocate of the Year Award
Honors an individual or organization whose work has made an impact on American Indian / Alaska Native health care and/or public health on a national level. This includes innovations in public health adopted nationwide or advocacy for a legislative or policy change adopted by Congress. (One award will be given.)
Jake Whitecrow Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizes an individual or organization with outstanding lifetime achievements in elevating health care advocacy, raising awareness or affecting positive change for American Indian and Alaska Native health care at the national level. This includes advocating for national policy change adopted by Congress or the administration and/or innovations in public health nationwide. This person may have served as a long-time Tribal Leader on national Tribal advisory committees, at a National native organization, or in an academic setting. (One award will be given.)
Next Generation Award
Commends a young American Indian / Alaska Native for their leadership and outstanding efforts to increase healthcare quality or awareness of health issues within their peer group or community on a local or national level. (One award will be given.)
Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Mentoring
Recognizes an individual whose mentorship has supported the advancement of tribal health equity through advocacy, program, or policy leadership. (One award will be given.)