Terry Dwelle, MD, North Dakota state health officer and clinical associate professor of family and community medicine at the UND medical school, Bismarck, received the 2008 McCormack Award from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

The McCormack award is a national award presented each year to a public health official who has demonstrated excellence in public health and has made a significant contribution to the knowledge and practice of the field.  Under Dwelle’s leadership, the North Dakota Department of Health has developed a number of innovative approaches to address public health issues, including establishing the Healthy North Dakota initiative designed to bring together partners across the state to inspire and support people’s efforts to improve their physical, mental and emotional health. 

Prior to joining the North Dakota Department of Health, Dwelle worked with the Indian Health Service and headed development of the Community Health Evangelism Program in East Africa, where he served as a medical missionary.  He is a Garrison, ND, native.

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials is the national nonprofit organization representing the state and territorial public health agencies of the U.S., the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.  Members are dedicated to formulating and influencing sound public health policy.