3rd Annual Upstream Health Leadership Award

The Blue Cross Foundation 3rd Annual Upstream Health Leadership Award and Policy Program brought together 200 participants from across the state to recognize the recipient of the 2008 leadership award: David Wallinga, MD, MPA, director of the Food and Health program at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) in Minneapolis. Founded in 1986, IATP is a non-profit organization promoting family farms, healthy communities and ecosystems around the world through research, education, science and technology, and advocacy.

Dr. Wallinga was recognized for his work on science-based public policies that better protect children from environmental pollutants, especially those that enter the food chain. Research done by IATP and the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy shows that environmental contributors to childhood diseases, such as asthma and some types of cancer, cost Minnesotans some $1.569 billion per year.
   

Wallinga received the award at a luncheon on Thursday, November 20 at St. Paul’s RiverCentre. Additionally, IATP received a $15,000 grant to support and advance its upstream work.

The foundation created the health leadership award to highlight the effectiveness of leadership and concrete work on upstream community conditions that determine health and well-being to increase its visibility and inspire others to take action. Leadership development and recognition is one of several approaches employed by the foundation to fulfill its purpose to look beyond health care today for ideas that create healthier communities tomorrow.

In addition to an address by Dr. Wallinga, participants also heard a welcome by William Collins, Jr., executive director of the YWCA of St. Paul and vice chair of the Blue Cross Foundation board and opening remarks by Marsha Shotley, foundation president. Charlotte Brody, RN, director of programs for Green For All, Oakland, California, presented an inspiring keynote address on how people's health and the health of the environment are connected.