The call for nominations for the 2027 AMCHP Annual Awards is officially open! Nominate a leader in maternal and child health by December 18, 2026, to be recognized at the AMCHP Annual Conference, held in person March 6-9, 2027, in Washington, DC.  

Every year, AMCHP recognizes individuals in the maternal and child health (MCH) community who have gone above and beyond to positively impact those around them. Leaders, innovators, professionals, youth, and legislators are nominated and selected based on their commitment and contributions to advancing MCH. All award winners are invited to accept their award at the conference. Limited travel support is available for some awards. 

Award Categories:

• John C. MacQueen Lecture Award: For innovation in the field of maternal and child health. Candidates must be able to record the lecture for distribution during the AMCHP Annual Conference in March 2027. 
• Community Partnership Award: For exemplary collaborations between Title V entities and community-based organizations. This award uplifts the importance of sustainable and outcome-focused partnerships in promoting the dignity and overall well-being of communities.
• Dr. Cheryl Clark Memorial Award and Scholarship: For a student in a master’s or doctoral program studying MCH Epidemiology or a professional starting in applied MCH Epidemiology, who has demonstrated a commitment to MCH Epidemiology, professional promise, and a clear idea of how the scholarship would support their development and contributions to the MCH field.
• Emerging MCH Professional Award: For outstanding state MCH professionals under age 45 or with less than 10 years of experience whose work has made substantial contributions to their state’s MCH program, their state’s MCH outcomes, or made other significant contributions to promoting and protecting the health of women, children, and families in their state or jurisdiction. 
• Excellence in State MCH Leadership Award: For an outstanding state MCH professional whose career has made significant contributions to the health of women, children, and families in their state or jurisdiction. 
• Merle McPherson Family Leadership Award: For exemplary contributions to further family/professional collaboration within a state or jurisdictional Title V Program and AMCHP. 
• Ryan Colburn Scholarship Award: For a young adult with complex healthcare needs or disabilities who has had a connection with their state’s Title V programs. The recipient should build on this experience to maintain involvement in their state, demonstrate community engagement, and show an interest in improving the lives of children and youth with complex healthcare needs. The scholarship will support attendance at the AMCHP Annual Conference, foster leadership growth in MCH, and honor Ryan’s legacy.
• Vince Hutchins Leadership Award: For leadership in promoting a society responsive to the needs of women, children, youth, and families. 

Interested in nominating someone?

Watch the recording of our previous call for nominations webinar to learn more about the nomination process from AMCHP Staff and Board leadership. You can also visit our webpage to view past winners from 2026 for inspiration. 

Ready to nominate?

If you would like to get started, please fill out this online nomination form and submit it along with all nomination materials by December 18, 2026.