Reed V. Tuckson Honored With 2025 Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award

Reed V. Tuckson Honored with Prestigious Health Education Award

On April 17, 2025, in a notable ceremony held in Atlanta, Reed V. Tuckson, MD, FACP, was honored with the 2025 Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award. Tuckson is widely recognized for his pivotal role as a health advocate, connector, and leader. His commitment to enhancing health outcomes and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to make informed health decisions has positioned him as a significant figure in the health education landscape.

This prestigious award was presented during the annual meeting of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), underscoring Tuckson's influential contributions to health education. The CDC Foundation, in partnership with the James F. and Sarah T. Fries Foundation, organized this event to spotlight Tuckson's innovative strategies in promoting health education and engaging communities effectively.

The Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award, which has celebrated distinguished leaders since 1992, acknowledges remarkable contributions to health education through program development, policy advocacy, and research. Tuckson's work with telehealth and remote engagement tools has significantly improved accessibility to health education for all Americans, especially those in underserved communities.

Dr. Judy Monroe, Executive Director of the CDC Foundation, commented on Tuckson's impact: "Dr. Tuckson's leadership in health education has profoundly influenced communities nationwide. His innovative use of technology has made health information accessible and has driven effective health education initiatives across varied sectors."

Throughout his career, Tuckson has advocated for the integration of technology and health education, particularly through telemedicine. His ability to communicate complex health information effectively has left a lasting impact on public health education. Notably, he has championed initiatives aimed at expanding the reach of health education to those in remote or underserved areas, utilizing various media and platforms.

Wayne A.I. Frederick, MD, who nominated Tuckson for the award, commended his unwavering commitment to improving public health outcomes. Frederick remarked, "Dr. Tuckson has demonstrated a tireless dedication to health literacy, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. His contributions have significantly shaped communities across the nation."

Tuckson's journey includes co-convening the Coalition for Trust in Health Sciences and co-founding the Black Coalition Against COVID. Before his current role, he served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Affairs Officer for UnitedHealth Group, among other influential positions, including past leadership at the American Medical Association and public health commissioner for Washington, D.C.

Recognized extensively for his leadership, Tuckson is a prominent figure in health circles. His accolades include listings in Modern Healthcare’s "50 Most Powerful Physician Executives" and honors from Ebony magazine as one of the 100 most powerful corporate executives in America.

The Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award is named in memory of Elizabeth Fries, a pioneering figure in health education. It includes a $50,000 prize, which underscores the significant recognition and support for advancing health education. This award and accompanying lecture are presented annually at the SOPHE conference, which gathers health education professionals from various backgrounds for sharing the latest research and practices in the field.

The partnership between the CDC Foundation and the James F. and Sarah T. Fries Foundation reflects a commitment to honoring exceptional contributions to public health. The CDC Foundation itself plays a vital role in enhancing community health and well-being through partnerships and innovative health protection strategies.

For more information, please visit CDC Foundation and explore the ongoing impact of Dr. Reed V. Tuckson’s work in health education and public health advocacy.