2nd Annual Upstream Health Leadership Award

The Blue Cross Foundation 2nd Annual Health Leadership Award Program and Luncheon brought together 200 participants from across the state to recognize the recipient of the 2007 Blue Cross Health Leadership Award: Atum Azzahir, co-founder, president and executive director of the Powderhorn Phillips Cultural Wellness Center in Minneapolis.

The award honored Ms. Azzahir for her innovative work focusing on the role of cultural traditions and beliefs in the development of healthy communities.  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. We believe that recognizing the work of exemplary leaders increases its visibility and inspires 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 Atum Azzahir, participants also heard opening remarks by Marsha Shotley, foundation president; the new Minnesota Health Commissioner, Dr. Sanne Magnan; and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota President Colleen Reitan. Dr. Anthony Iton, director of the Alameda County (California) public health department, presented an inspiring keynote address on how race, class, wealth, education, geography and employment affect health status.