June, 2006

CHAPEL HILL - John Graham was recently awarded the Robert E. Bryan Public Service Award by the Carolina Center for Public Service at the University of North Carolina.

Graham, who is deputy director of the North Carolina Institute for Public Health based in the School of Public Health, was recognized for his leading role in an initiative called public health incubator collaboratives.

The incubators are regional groups of North Carolina local health departments that band together to solve locally identified public health problems. Graham has engaged county health directors, coordinated the formation of the incubators and offered insights on strategic planning and projects. He helps health directors establish their incubators and travels the state to understand issues faced by the groups.  He chairs the incubator advisory board.

Individuals and organizations campuswide were nominated for various public service awards, and two committees made up of students, faculty, staff and community representatives selected the recipients.

"The nomination and selection process, as always, highlighted the scope and depth of how Carolina reaches throughout the state to make a difference," said Dr. Lynn Blanchard, director of the Carolina Center for Public Service. "The recipients of this year's Ned Brooks, Bryan and Office of the Provost awards exemplify what is best about Carolina."

The Carolina Center for Public Service leads UNC's engagement efforts and service to the state of North Carolina and beyond by linking the expertise and energy of faculty, staff, and students to the needs of the people.

Carolina Center for Public Service contact: Dr. Lynn Blanchard, (919) 843-7568 or blanchard@unc.edu

North Carolina Institute for Public Health contact:  Bev Holt, (919) 966-6274 or bev_holt@unc.edu