The Department of Health is calling for nominations for the Public Health Awards 2008.

The Department wants to hear about people or organisations that have contributed significantly to the health of Bermuda's population.

Nominations must be submitted by Monday and will only be considered if the Public Health Awards Nomination Form is completed, the Health Promotion Office receives the form by the due date and the nominees fulfil all the criteria.

Recipients of the Public Health Award will be selected by the Public Health Awards Committee.

Nominees for the Public Health Awards 2008 must have contributed to the success of public health in Bermuda revolving around the World Health Day theme: "Protecting health from climate change."

This year's theme highlights that climate change is real, human activities are a major cause, and human health is threatened by these adverse changes.

All human activity related to urban development, transport, energy use, food production and consumption, land use and water resources affect both climate change and health.

Health is among the sectors most affected by climate change globally, for example changes in vector-borne diseases, anticipated pollen season, air quality, patterns of natural disasters, etc.

There are two categories for awards, the Individual Award: for an individual's exceptional contribution to public health and the Organisation Award: for an organisation's exceptional contribution to public health

Nominees, who contribute to protecting Bermuda's health from the effects of climate change, e.g. by promoting public awareness, will be considered for the Public Health Awards 2008.

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

1. The individual or organisation nominated has made a real difference to Bermuda's public health;

2. Nominee has contributed to public health in a field relevant to the current World Health Day theme: Protecting health from climate change;

3. Nominee must be currently active;

4. Nominee has gone above and beyond the call of duty;

5. Nominee "Thinks outside of the box" to find creative ways to be effective;

6. Nominee's actions have proven, demonstrated effectiveness; and

7. Nominations have reached the Health Promotion Office by March 31, 2008 on the appropriate form

All applications must be completed and submitted to healthpromotion@gov.bm