First presented in 1992, the James and Sarah Fries Prize for Improving Health recognizes an outstanding leader who has made major accomplishments in health improvement, with the general criterion of the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

The prize seeks to reward accomplishment rather than promise, practicality rather than theory. The $100,000 Fries Prize is awarded annually to an individual judged by an esteemed Fries Awards Jury to have made a very substantial and quantifiable contribution to human health.

The CDC Foundation is honored to partner with the James F. and Sarah T. Fries Foundation and serves as the administrator of the Fries Foundation’s health award programs.

The award and awardee’s lecture are presented in the fall at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Awardee attendance and remarks are required. The Fries Prize is primarily intended to recognize individuals; under special circumstances, consideration may be given to groups or organizations.

Nominations for the James and Sarah Fries Prize for Improving Health should be submitted online. Self-nominations are not permitted.  The Fries Awards Jury may request additional information if necessary, following submission of your nomination. Nominators should be able to demonstrate the quantitative impact of the nominee’s work within the nomination. The Fries Foundation Board and Fries Awards Jury strongly discourage nominators from collaborating with nominees during the nomination process.

Letters of intent to nominate are encouraged (but not required) by January 31 at 11:59 PM EST each year. To submit a letter of intent, please use the form below to state who you plan to nominate, for which award, and why you feel this nominee is a good candidate for the award (not to exceed 175 words.)