Southern Health Association

2010 Southern Health Association Outstanding Legislator Award

Dudley Conner, KPHA Executive Director, is shown presenting the SHA 2010 Legislator of the Year Award to Kentucky Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo, MD.

The Lt. Governor was recognized for his support of public health policies, e-health issues and his fight against prescription drug abuse and what has been dubbed the prescription drug pipeline.

"I've been watching Lt. Governor Mongiardo over the last few years as he pushed for changes in health care, especially with e-health and telemedicine," said Dudley Conner, executive director of the Kentucky Public Health Association and a member of the Southern Health Association governing board. "He's been very supportive of what we in public health work for and I'm proud to present him with this award."

Lt. Governor Mongiardo was part of a special documentary entitled "The OxyContin Express," which aired on Current TV in October 2009. Additionally, his office spearheaded a series of community forums held earlier this year in eastern Kentucky that focused on the growing prescription drug abuse problem and the crimes associated with it.

"It's an honor to be recognized by such an outstanding organization," said Lt. Governor Mongiardo. "But I can't take all the praise. I share this award with other legislators, doctors, law enforcement and everyday citizens who have and are working with me to move healthcare in Kentucky to the 21st Century and make our towns and cities safer by closing down illegal drug activity