The portal is open for NCCHC’s individual awards and the program of the year. Self-nominations or peer nominations are welcome. Individual awards cover lifetime achievement, communications, and leadership for correctional health professionals. The program of the year recognizes an outstanding program improves patient safety, demonstrates innovation, and/or uses data to drive change.
The deadline for all nominations is May 21. Awards will be announced and presented at the National Conference on Correctional Health Care on October 26 in Las Vegas. The requirements for each award are posted below.
R. Scott Chavez Program of the Year
This award recognizes excellence in programs offered in NCCHC-accredited prisons, jails, juvenile facilities, including Mental Health and Opioid Treatment Programs. The Program of the Year should address medical, behavioral/mental health, or substance use disorder needs and demonstrate one or more of the following: Improvements in patient safety or care with demonstrable outcomes; Innovative patient safety or care program or process with demonstrable outcomes; Use of data to drive health care program or system changes.
Award Criteria
- Facility must be fully accredited and be in good standing with NCCHC
- Applicants need to have been site-surveyed between May 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026, to ensure compliance with standards
- Facilities cannot be under receivership
Submit a Nomination: R. Scott Chavez Program of the Year
Bernard P. Harrison Award of Merit
This lifetime achievement award is presented annually to an outstanding correctional health leader who has a long record of accomplishment and participation in NCCHC programs. It is a capstone to a career dedicated to quality correctional health care.
Award Criteria:
- Minimum 20 years in the field of correctional health care
- Demonstrated thought leadership and mentorship in correctional health care
- Significant contributions to the success of NCCHC and to quality health care nationally
Submit a Nomination: Bernard P. Harrison Award of Merit
B. Jaye Anno Award of Excellence in Communication
This award pays tribute to innovative, well-executed communications that have had a positive impact on the field of correctional health care. Eligible nominees include authors, presenters, educators, and content creators of communications that are innovative, multidisciplinary and have an impact on the field of correctional health care. The award is defined broadly to incorporate many types of communication vehicles, such as article series, presentations, publications, websites, and recordings.
Award Criteria:
- Demonstrated excellence in communications
- National or significant local impact
Submit a Nomination: B. Jaye Anno Award of Excellence
Edward A. Harrison Excellence in Correctional Health Care Leadership
This award is presented annually to an outstanding correctional health leader who leads by example, inspires others, and is committed to quality improvement in correctional health care.
Award Criteria:
- Minimum five years in the field of correctional health care
- Has held a leadership position in a correctional health care environment for at least two years.
- Demonstrated commitment to NCCHC’s mission and programs
- CCHP preferred (all nominees, regardless of credentials, will be considered)
- Demonstrates attributes such as significant contributions to the field, good corporate citizenship, compassion, and exceptional work ethic
Submit a Nomination: Edward A. Harrison Excellence in Correctional Health Care Leadership
