The nation's most prestigious award for associations recognizes NCSD's efforts to raise awareness of DIS, advocate for federal funds, and partner to provide professional development during the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Thursday, September 29, The National Association of STD Directors (NCSD) was awarded a 2022
ASAE Power of Associations Summit Award – the highest recognition of membership associations – for its successful effort to support the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the COVID-19 pandemic first arrived in the U.S., NCSD recognized that Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS), a backbone of STD prevention, could play a powerful role in the response. NCSD mounted an enormous advocacy effort, raising awareness of DIS and elevating their stories in the media and pushing Congress to fund DIS nationwide. After successfully securing $1.3 billion from Congress, NCSD set to work to support members in accessing funds and then to readying the newest members of our public health workforce. In partnership with ASTHO, NCSD co-created Making Contact, an online training that increased the preparedness, knowledge, and efficacy of more than 200,000 participants. It was this entire body of work that ASAE selected as an example of the best work an association can do.
ASAE presented the Summit Awards at a banquet on Thursday night at the American Building Museum, and NCSD was in proud attendance along with key partners from ASTHO. ASAE also recognized Summit Award winners in other categories, including The American Institute of Architects, the Building Owners and Managers Association of Georgia, IEEE, the California Municipal Utilities Association, and the Urban Libraries Council.
NCSD is proud to have our efforts recognized, but we are even more proud of the way we successfully supported our members and the broader public health community through one of the most challenging public health threats in our lifetimes.