CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) presented Liane Jollon, executive director of San Juan Basin Public Health in Durango, Colo., with the AMA Award for Outstanding Government Service.
A native New Yorker, Jollon has spent over 15 years in the nonprofit and public health sectors, focusing on the health of children and families, housing, violence prevention, economic development and access to health care.
“From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Jollon has worked with leaders in the region and throughout the state to develop and communicate a coordinated public health response,” said AMA Board Chair Russ Kridel, M.D. “The fight against COVID-19 is just the latest challenge Ms. Jollon has taken on during a career devoted to improving public health. I am pleased to present her with our Outstanding Government Service Award.”
In addition to her role in local public health, Jollon has held many leadership roles and board positions in organizations such as the Aspen Institute and the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials.
"For over a decade Liane has driven San Juan Basin Public Health’s mission to serve Coloradans in La Plata and Archuleta counties. Liane’s leadership and scientific integrity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is a model for thousands of public health leaders throughout Colorado and the country, who have worked under extremely difficult conditions to keep us safe,” said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, who nominated Jollon for the award. “I am proud that the American Medical Association has recognized Liane’s tireless work throughout the pandemic. On behalf of all Coloradans, I’d like to congratulate Liane and thank her for her leadership and service during a time of great need.”
Jollon was also appointed by Gov. Jared Polis to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and helped implement sweeping mission change to protect the health of Colorado residents.
Jollon has a bachelor’s degree in history and sociology from Columbia University and earned her nursing degree in Durango, Colorado. She completed her master’s degree at the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security.
Her full acceptance speech can be viewed at this link.
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The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
