The Lake Cumberland District Health Department is accepting nominations for the 2023 Dr. Hossein Fallahzadeh Public Health Hero Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize an outstanding public health advocate in the Lake Cumberland area.
Candidates should display exemplary leadership and diligence in promoting public health. They will have made remarkable contributions and support in fostering public health programs. Their work or actions will have impacted the community’s health in a positive way. Nominees should live and/or work in the Lake Cumberland District.
“There are many individuals who promote health and wellness across the Lake Cumberland District,” said LCDHD Director Amy Tomlinson. “This award is intended to recognize those sometimes overlooked or unsung providers, board members, officials and citizens who serve tirelessly and without applause. The Lake Cumberland area is better because of their concern for their neighbors.”
The award was introduced last year as the Health Hero Award. It was presented posthumously to Dr. Hossein Fallahzadeh, a long-time surgeon in Somerset. In his support for public health, Dr. Fallahzadeh served many years on both the Pulaski County Local Board of Health as well as the District Board of Health. Dr. Fallahzadeh passed away in 2021.
His daughters, Nicole and Susi, were present to accept the plaque in his honor. “It makes me very happy to think that his name and his legacy will live on,” Nicole said. At the ceremony it was announced that beginning in 2023, the award would be named in his honor.
The award will be given the first week of April each year during National Public Health Week.
LCDHD staff are not eligible for the award.
