MSSA Awards Program

2023-2024 Awards Timeline

June 14: Nomination period opens
August 16: Nomination period closes for regions 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and Metro
November 1: Nomination period closes for regions 1, 2, 5, and 10; deadline to submit nominations for Outstanding Student
Fall 2023: Regional winners notified

How It Works

MSSA members can nominate colleagues, friends, volunteers, agencies, and other deserving people for awards to highlight successes and outstanding individuals in the health and human service field. 

Nominations are independently reviewed by regional boards. Winners are then recognized at regional fall conferences. Regional award recipients then move on for consideration at the statewide level, where their nominations are judged by MSSA's Awards and Scholarships Committee. Statewide winners are recognized at MSSA's Annual Conference & Expo in March.

For more information on MSSA's awards program, contact Suzanne Lamoreaux.

Award Categories

Outstanding Adult Foster Care

MSSA recognizes outstanding foster care provided to adults through the Adult Foster Care Award.

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Outstanding Child Foster Care

MSSA recognizes outstanding foster care provided to children through the Child Foster Care Award.

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Community Collaboration 

MSSA recognizes community collaborations that benefit the health and human service system through the Community Collaboration Award. 

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Individual Distinguished Service to MSSA

The award for the Individual Distinguished Service to MSSA recognizes an individual member for their outstanding service and leadership our organization. 

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Outstanding Retiree 

MSSA recognizes retirees for their outstanding service to the health and human service community with significant contributions to clients, agency, and community. 

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Outstanding Staff Achievement

MSSA recognizes individuals who routinely exemplify outstanding service to clients, their colleagues and place of work through the Staff Achievement Award. 

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Outstanding Student

MSSA recognizes students who routinely demonstrate their ability to excel both academically and in their internships and field work experiences.

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Outstanding Treatment Foster Care

MSSA recognizes treatment foster care providers who deliver outstanding foster care to children with developmental disabilities or serious emotional, behavioral and medical needs.

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Outstanding Volunteer Service

MSSA recognizes an individual for their outstanding volunteer service. 

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The Morris Hursh Award

The Morris Hursh Award recognizes a Minnesotan who has had an impact on the delivery of health and human services at the national, state and local levels; and their involvement with MSSA and/or other health and human service-related professional groups. This award is not offered at the regional level and winners are appointed by the Board of Directors.

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