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NASTAD Awards

In order to recognize contributions to advancing effective governmental public health HIV and hepatitis responses, every year NASTAD bestows a variety of awards at its Annual Meeting.

NASTAD Awards Include:

Nicholas A. Rango Leadership Award

The Nicholas A. Rango, MD Leadership Award is named for one of NASTAD’s founding members, Dr. Nicholas Rango, who was Director of the New York State AIDS Institute before his death of AIDS in 1993. In honoring Dr. Rango’s spirit and his work, NASTAD gives this award to recognize the NASTAD member, health department staff member, or NASTAD staff member who best exemplifies Dr. Rango’s qualities of superior intelligence, dedication, activism in government, and impatience in leading the fight against HIV and/or hepatitis.   

Excellence Awards   

NASTAD Excellence Awards are determined by the NASTAD Officers annually based on sufficient nominations from the membership.       

  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Honoring the current or former health department HIV or hepatitis director and/or senior staff member who dedicated most of their career to working in governmental public health to address the HIV and/or hepatitis epidemics.  
  • Partnership Award: Honoring the person, organization, or coalition working with NASTAD at the national level to advance common goals, objectives, and policies. Current and former federal officials, members of Congress and their staff, along with other partners working at the national or international level, are eligible for this award.   
  • Program Excellence Award: NASTAD recognizes program excellence by honoring the NASTAD member, staff or group that has led the implementation or management of an exemplary and innovative program, initiative or practice to reduce HIV or viral hepatitis or provide services to those living with the diseases.
  • Chair’s Challenge Award: Honoring the NASTAD member/staff that has led the implementation and/or management of an exemplary and innovative program, initiative, or practice in their jurisdiction to accelerate the end of HIV and viral hepatitis in the United States, particularly as these efforts align with the Chair’s Challenge.  
  • NASTAD Service Award: The NASTAD Service Award is given to the NASTAD member who is elected by their peers and serves as the Chair of the organization or for outstanding service to the organization while serving as an elected officer of NASTAD.