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NET Health Awards 

NET Health is proud to recognize individuals, organizations, and workplaces that significantly contribute to the health and well-being of our Northeast Texas community through the following awards.

Free Application Process


Applications are accepted from ANY business in northeast Texas.

This is policy-driven program allows businesses to objectively assess existing worksite policies and allows NET Health to provide technical assistance to companies who request our assistance to achieve status as a Worksite Wellness Awardee.

The 2025 Application Period


The application period is open until Sunday August 31st, 2025. 

Successful applicant companies will be recognized on this website and will be formally recognized at an in-person event.

Review and Develop These Four Worksite Policies

1) Texas Mother Friendly Worksite Policy

A business needs to have a current worksite policy, or create a new worksite policy, that specifically covers these four criteria:

  • Flexible work schedules with breaks that allow the mother to breastfeed their infant and/or to express breast milk for future use
  • A private room that is not a bathroom that can be locked to provide a safe and relaxing environment for the mother
  • Access to clean water and a sink to rinse, clean, or sanitize any equipment used for expressing breastmilk
  • Hygienic storage options for breastmilk (ex., office refrigerator, personal cooler, mini-fridge).

NET Health can provide resources that provide breastfeeding support to your employees and we can provide technical assistance to interested local businesses to become a newly designated Texas Mother Friendly Worksite.

Full details are available at the Texas Mother Friendly Worksite Program's website.

2) Nicotine Free Worksite Policy

Develop a nicotine-free worksite policy or to enhance a company’s existing smoke-free policy by including the consumption of nicotine-containing products (ex., dip, snuff, snus) and/or prohibiting nicotine-delivery devices (ex., e-cigarettes, vape pens, mods) from onsite worksite use by employees. 

Proof of a company policy & photos of installed signage must be provided.

3) Onsite Physical Activity Policy **

Gym memberships and access to offsite facilities are encouraged but would not meet the 2025 critera for the NET Health Worksite Wellness Awards. All exercise  and physical activity resources must be physically available and accessible onsite at your place of business.

Worksites would be tasked to provide photos showing evidence of either of these 2 criteria:

  • An onsite gym or onsite physical activity facility is accessible for all company employees to utilize, or
  • Onsite exercise opportunities are available for all employees to participate (ex., daily/weekly group walking sessions held before or during the workday)

4) Onsite Nutrition Policy or an Onsite Healthy Food Policy **

Worksites would be asked to submit their company policy and provide photos showing evidence of both of these below criteria:

  • Food and Nutrition Standards - Proof of a company policy that details the nutrient composition of food items sold either in onsite vending machines and/or onsite cafeteria options for employees at your worksite(s) [ex., # calories, # mg of sodium, grams of protein, etc.]
  • Behavioral Design Standards - Proof of a company policy on company letterhead that (a) encourages the placement of healthier items first, (b) utilizes strategically placed signage that promotes healthier choices, and/or (c) features promotional pricing that discounts the healthier options.  

#3 and #4 are sourced from the Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2017. 

** An existing Worksite Wellness Policy can be substitued for #3 or for #4.

For technical assistance or to ask questions, contact Terrence Ates.

Complete the Online Application Before August 31, 2025

It is important to engage your senior leadership and your worksite wellness staff who have the knowledge and understanding of the agency’s programs, practices, and policies. To complete this assessment, please gather the following materials:

  • Documentation of the types and number of food service options at your business (# of vending machines, menus of your cafeteria, etc.)
  • Documentation of the number of meals, snacks, and/or vending machines for food items sold/served in the food service venues. 
  • Food service policies, permits, contracts, and/or agreements for the food service venues. 
  • Have copies of your company's existing Texas Mother Friendly Worksite Policy, Nicotine Free Worksite Policy, any type of an Onsite Healthy Food Policy, and any type of an Onsite Physical Activity Policy. 

Click Here to Begin the Online Application Form

If your company needs assistance with creating any or all of the four worksite policies, let us know!

We are here to help you successfully apply!  Send us an email at "[email protected]g".

Free Application Process


Applications are accepted from ANY person or business in northeast Texas.

The W.T. “Doc” Ballard Award is NET Health’s highest accolade, recognizing individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to public health in our community.

The 2026 Application Period


The application period is currently closed.

Honorees for 2025 will be recognized at the NET Health Board Meeting on Thursday, June 26th, 2025.

Who is the "DOC" Ballard for?

The W.T. “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health honors individuals or organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in protecting and promoting community health in Northeast Texas. Nominees do not need to be public health professionals — they can come from any walk of life and serve in areas such as civic leadership, education, cultural initiatives, or philanthropy.

Nominate a Community Health Champion for the Doc Ballard Award

To nominate someone, be sure your submission includes all of the following:

1) Nomination Letter

• Should clearly describe why the nominee deserves the award (250 words or less)

• Must show a positive impact on the health of the public


2) Biographical Sketch or Résumé

• A one-page summary of the nominee’s professional background or service history


3) Up to 5 Supporting Documents (Optional)

• Examples: letters of recommendation, news articles, publications, program results, etc.


4) Nominee Photo

• One clear 4” x 5” photograph of the nominee


Mail all nominations to:

NET Health

Attn: W.T. “Doc” Ballard Award

315 N. Broadway, Suite 404

Tyler, TX 75702


We are here to help you successfully apply!  Send us an email at "[email protected]g".

Northeast Texas Public Health District

815 N. Broadway Ave
Tyler, Texas 75702

903-535-0030

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