MHOA Awards

President’s Award

Established in 1983, the Massachusetts Health Officers Association (MHOA) President’s Award recognizes an individual who has been a “champion of public health” throughout their career. The recipient has made a superior and lasting contribution to public health in Massachusetts, providing dedicated service to the members and officers of MHOA and generously offering their time and talents. Our organization’s highest honor, this award salutes an outstanding individual whose commitment, dedication, and contributions set an example for the entire public health community in Massachusetts and beyond.

John D. Crowley Award

In honor of the late John D. Crowley, who served the City of Cambridge as Executive Health Agent and a member of the Health Department for over 50 years. He rendered distinguished service to the Massachusetts Health Officers Association as a founder of the Metropolitan Health Officers Association and served as secretary for many years.

This award is given annually to a regular member of the Massachusetts Health Officers Association, who contributed to the growth and success of the Massachusetts Health Officers Association through outstanding leadership and extraordinary service.

Curtis M. Hilliard Award

This award is in honor of the late Curtis M. Hilliard, one of the founders of the Metropolitan Health Officers Association (which later became the Massachusetts Health Officers Association). Curtis was the Health Supervisor for Wellesley, Needham, and Weston from 1926-1956. He was recognized with honors by MHOA, the American Public Health Association, and the Massachusetts Public Health Association.

This award is presented annually to a resident of the Commonwealth who has demonstrated their concern for the advancement of public health programs to the benefit of citizens, of which it is their right to expect, and has assisted in the delivery of health services and programs to fulfill these expectations.

Michael D. Saraco Award

In honor of the late Michael D. Saraco, who was instrumental in the formation of the Board of Certification of Health Officers and was appointed by the Governor to serve on that Board for eight years. He was dedicated to the Massachusetts Health Officers Association since its inception, and served as its President and Executive Secretary. He was involved with many civic associations and served on numerous health committees and task forces in Massachusetts.

This award is presented annually to a member of the Massachusetts Health Officers Association who has exemplified the qualities of the man for whom it was named. Through Mike’s dedication, loyalty, friendship, enthusiasm and leadership, the Massachusetts Health Officers Association has grown to be the most prestigious and leading organization of Public Health in Massachusetts.

Sandra Collins Public Health Nursing Award

This award is presented annually to a Public Health Nurse and a member of MHOA who has demonstrated exceptional dedication in carrying out the public health mandates of a regional or local municipal agency.

Jeffrey P. Stephens Award

This award is given in honor of the late Jeffrey P. Stephens, a cherished member of the MHOA Board of Directors and one of its officers at the time of his sudden illness and death in 2022. Jeff was a cheerful force for good in local public health, and his contributions extended well beyond the communities in which he worked. He was both a leader and a consummate volunteer, serving on and eventually chairing the Local-State Advisory Committee and its Small Budget Group, and helping to guide local public health preparedness efforts across the Commonwealth. Jeff seemed to be everywhere all at once – he never had to be asked to help, no matter how thin he was stretched he always volunteered. 

This award is given annually to a member of any of the Coalition for Local Public Health organizations who, through their dedication, commitment and extensive service on committees or coalitions, has advanced regional or state-wide efforts to expand local public health capabilities.

Please click the award below to view past recipients.