Public Health Service Unit Commendation

Public Health Service Unit Commendation is an award given to units within the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) that have demonstrated outstanding performance, efficiency, and fidelity. This commendation is a form of collective recognition, highlighting the exemplary efforts of a unit rather than individual achievements. It serves to acknowledge the significant contributions made by a unit towards advancing the mission and objectives of the USPHS, particularly in areas related to public health and safety.

Criteria

The criteria for the Public Health Service Unit Commendation are rigorous, focusing on achievements that surpass normal duties and expectations. Units eligible for this award must have demonstrated:

• Exceptional performance in the execution of their duties over a specific period, contributing significantly to the advancement of the USPHS mission.
• Outstanding teamwork, efficiency, and dedication in responding to public health challenges.
• Innovative approaches to solving complex health issues, leading to measurable improvements in public health outcomes.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Public Health Service Unit Commendation extends to any organized unit within the USPHS. This includes, but is not limited to, commissioned officer student training and extern programs, clinical and non-clinical units, and administrative and support units. The commendation recognizes the collective effort and achievements of these units, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the field of public health.

Award Components

The Public Health Service Unit Commendation includes several components:

• A framed certificate, signed by an appropriate authority, recognizing the unit's outstanding performance.
• A ribbon bar that can be worn by the members of the unit on their uniform to signify their participation in a commendated unit.
• A citation that outlines the specific achievements and contributions of the unit to the mission of the USPHS.

Significance

The significance of the Public Health Service Unit Commendation lies in its role in fostering a culture of excellence and recognition within the USPHS. By highlighting the achievements of units, the commendation encourages all members of the USPHS to strive for excellence in their efforts to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of the nation. It also serves to increase morale within the service, reinforcing the value of collective effort and collaboration in achieving public health goals.

See Also

• Awards and decorations of the Public Health Service
• United States Public Health Service
• Public Health Service Commissioned Corps