Nebraska State Sen. Jeremy Nordquist was presented the Chancellor Robert D. Sparks, M.D., Award in Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the annual College of Public Health Awards Banquet Tuesday night.
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Sen. Jeremy Nordquist |
He is chairman of the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee and also is a member of the Appropriations Committee, State-Tribal Relations Committee and the Children’s Behavioral Health Oversight Committee. He also is the chairman of the Health Committee for the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Sen. Nordquist’s interest in health care extends beyond his legislative work. He serves on the board of directors for One World Community Health Center in South Omaha and is now completing a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in health care administration, at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Outside of his duties as an elected official, Sen. Nordquist works for the Holland Children’s Movement.
The Sparks Award recognizes an individual who has shown outstanding innovation, excellence, collaboration and impact on health promotion, disease prevention and advancement of effective public health. Dr. Sparks, who was UNMC’s second chancellor (1972-1976), established this award through the University of Nebraska Foundation.
Jane Meza, Ph.D., interim dean of UNMC’s College of Public Health, said, “Sen. Nordquist exemplifies excellence in innovation, collaboration and impact in public health by being a strong proponent of public health issues including access to quality affordable health care, telehealth, school-based health centers and his support for the Fred & Pamela Buffet Cancer Center.”
Adi Pour, Ph.D., director of the Douglas County Health Department and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Panel for the College of Public Health, said Sen. Nordquist deserves this award.
“He is a true advocate who works every day to ensure access to health care and prevention services are available for all to make Nebraska the healthiest state and keep health care costs low,” she said.