Bob Cook is named the First Annual Dr. Merle McPherson Leadership Award Winner

The Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) Family & Youth Leadership Committee created the Merle McPherson Leadership Award to recognize an exemplary family member or professional whose work has contributed in a significant way to further family-professional collaboration within their state Title V program or at the national level. 

The criteria for this prestigious award are:

·     Family involvement in the state program and/or AMCHP has increased significantly as a result of the efforts of the individual

·     Policy and procedures within the state programs and/or AMCHP have been changed to encourage greater family involvement as a result of the person’s work

·     The person has actively contributed to AMCHP and the organization’s effort to advance the inclusion of families at all levels

This award was bestowed to Bob in recognition of his tireless efforts to expand family involvement initiatives within both DSCC and AMCHP.  Because of his efforts, family involvement at the state and national level has increased significantly and policy and procedures have been changed to encourage even greater opportunities for families in the future.  His involvement with DSCC and AMCHP has directly impacted these organizations in a positive way.   Bob was recognized as the first recipient of this prestigious award at the annual AMCHP conference on March 3, 2008.

Please join me in congratulating Bob on this prestigious award and his wonderful work on behalf of families and children with special health care needs.