Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: July 2, 1999

Dr. William Hollinshead Receives Regional Public Health Award

Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, Rhode Island Director of Health, announced that William H. Hollinshead, MD, MPH, received the Joseph E. Cannon Award at the New England Public Health Association’s 35th annual meeting on June 9, 1999 in North Falmouth, Massachusetts. Dr. Hollinshead is Medical Director of the Division of Family Health.

The Association presents the Joseph E. Cannon Award each year to a federal, state or local public health official who makes an outstanding, long-term contribution to public health. The Association recognized Dr. Hollinshead for his leadership in the area of Maternal and Child Health and for the following programs and initiatives:

• The Rite Start program, which provided health coverage for pregnant women and which provided a foundation for the Rite Care program.

• School-based health centers, established in 1987, which later expanded to include the network of Child Opportunity Zones and other youth success initiatives.

• KIDS NET, a comprehensive database of newborns, linked to RI physician offices. KIDS NET provides a virtual safety net of preventive services for children.

• Parent consultant program, which received national recognition and promotes consumer/parent input into public health programs.

• Case management for technology dependent children, allowing parents to care for their children at home (in collaboration with Peter Simon, MD).

Dr. Hollinshead served as President and President-elect of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs from 1986 to 1989. According to Dr. Nolan, who was present at the Awards Ceremony, "This award confirms what we, who work directly with Bill, knew for a long time. His efforts contribute in a substantial way, to public health, both in Rhode Island and at the national level. We all join in congratulating him on this honor."

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