The Lake Cumberland District Health Department is accepting nominations for the 2024 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 positively impacted the community's health. 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 through their concern for their neighbors."

The award is presented the first week of April each year during National Public Health Week. To nominate a candidate, go to www.lcdhd.org/award. Nominations will be accepted through February 29, 2024.

The award was introduced in 2022 and was presented posthumously to Dr. Hossein Fallahzadeh, a long-time surgeon in Somerset and member of both the Pulaski County Local Board of Health as well as the District Board of Health.

In 2023, the award was presented to Dr. Richard Miles of Russell Springs. Dr. Miles has served Russell County and the Lake Cumberland District for over 40 years as a physician and local and district health department board member.

LCDHD staff are not eligible for the award.