Department of Health, Department of Health Facilities, and Department of Human Services

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Cabinet Secretary Karen L. Bowling is pleased to announce Dr. Rahul Gupta, Commissioner and State Health Officer for the Bureau for Public Health, will receive the 2015 Milton and Ruth Roemer Prize for Creative Local Public Health Work by the American Public Health Association.

Dr. Gupta was selected for the national award by his peers for his leadership and extraordinary vision in addressing local and regional public health problems through building collaborations.

“This is a tremendous honor for DHHR to have Dr. Rahul Gupta selected for this award, highlighting his professionalism, dedication and commitment to the health and well-being of the citizens of West Virginia,” said Bowling. “We are fortunate to have Dr. Gupta leading the charge for public health in West Virginia.” 

The Milton and Ruth Roemer Prize is presented to a health officer of a county, city or other unit of local government, in recognition for outstanding creative and innovative public health work.  The prize was endowed by two devoted members of APHA: Milton Roemer, MD, and Ruth Roemer, JD, both of whom envisioned an annual prize to honor a public health worker engaged in innovative public health service in their community. 

“I am truly honored and humbled to have received this award from my peers across the country,” said Dr. Gupta.  “This award is recognition of the excellent team that I have in Public Health that continues to impact communities throughout West Virginia.  It has been my goal from day one to help transform our Public Health system into a model for the nation.”  

Dr. Gupta will be presented with the award at the 2015 APHA’s 143rd Annual Meeting and Exposition November 3, 2015 in Chicago, IL.