Violence Prevention Expert Billie Weiss for her devotion to reducing violence among children and adults. The individuals and organizations honored by these awards are truly heroes, said Edward Penhoet, dean of the School of Public Health. Each has worked tirelessly for decades to protect people from both biological and societal causes of poor health and to increase the prospects for healthy lives as a result. The awards also serve to draw attention to a vital discipline that often goes unnoticed. While people benefit from public health every day when they swim in a public pool, wear seat belts or dine at a smoke-free restaurant many do not realize the field s contributions.
Public health works behind the scenes by preventing disease and optimizing health.
Since 1900, the average life span of persons in the United States has lengthened more than 30 years, and 25 years of this gain are attributable to advances in public health, according to a 1999 paper published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A 16-member advisory council made up of community, industry and faculty leaders selected the finalists from nominations by School of Public Health faculty, advisory council members and previous honorees. Each year, the council selects one organizational recipient and three individual honorees, each working on an international, national or local issue. Copyright 2000, The Regents of the University of California. Produced and maintained by the Office of Public Affairs at UC Berkeley .