AMA HONORS NEW HAMPSIRE STATE SENATOR WITH TOP GOVERNMENT SERVICE AWARD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     April 1, 2008

AMA HONORS NEW HAMPSIRE STATE SENATOR WITH

TOP GOVERNMENT SERVICE AWARD

WASHINGTON – New Hampshire State Sen. Kathleen Sgambati will be honored tonight with the American Medical Association’s (AMA) highest award for a public official. She will be presented with the award by veteran broadcast journalist Forrest Sawyer at an awards dinner tonight in Washington, D.C. as part of the AMA’s National Advocacy Conference.

Sgambati was one of eight honorees chosen this year to receive the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service. The award, named for the founding father of the AMA, recognizes elected and career officials in federal, state or municipal service whose contributions have promoted the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.

“This award reflects Senator Sgambati’s tireless commitment to issues that impact the health and well-being of women and children,” said AMA Board Chair Edward Langston, M.D.

“She led one of the most successful public-private partnerships in the history of New Hampshire, which cut the uninsured rate for children in half.”

“Through the Nathan Davis Award, the American Medical Association salutes government officials that go above and beyond the call of duty to improve public health.  Award winners come from every branch of government service, and are a testament to the important role public officials play in creating and implementing health policy that benefits Americans,” said Dr. Langston.

She was nominated for the award by New Hampshire State Senator and Majority Leader, Joseph A. Foster.  

This year marks the 19th anniversary of the Dr. Nathan Davis Awards.  Recipients of this year’s awards also include Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA),  House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell.