Ward Hinds, MD has been selected by the Alumni Advisory Board of the UW School of Public Health and Community Medicine to receive the School's 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dr. Hinds received his MPH from the School's Department of Epidemiology in 1975, and he recently retired as Health Officer of the Snohomish Health District, a post he held since 1986.

Epidemiology professor emeritus James Gale noted in his nomination statement that "Ward Hinds has been a distinguished, effective public health practitioner for over 30 years. Ward's willingness and energy to take leadership positions on a broad array of specific issues often above and beyond his local responsibilities is inspiring."

Dr. Hinds has been a leader on groups such as the Region 3 HIV Prevention Planning Council, the Washington State Steering Committee on Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, and the Washington State Public Health Improvement Plan Steering Committee. He is also an active member the Alumni Advisory Board for the School of Public Health and has taught as a clinical professor in the School's departments of Epidemiology and Health Services.

The 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented the afternoon of June 13 during the School's annual Award Ceremony and Graduation Celebration in Hogness Auditorium. Ward Hinds is an inspiration for SPHCM alumni and students so it is fitting that he be honored at graduation.