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 2025 Application Period
The application period is open until Thursday, May 22nd, 2025.
Honorees will be recognized at the NET Health Board Meeting on Thursday, June 26, 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".
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 Update These Four Worksite Policies
1) Texas Mother Friendly Worksite Policy
Provide resources and celebrate achievements of worksites that provide breastfeeding support to their employees so that NET Health can provide technical assistance to interested local businesses to become a newly designated Texas Mother Friendly Worksite. 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).
Full details are available at the Texas Mother Friendly Worksite Program's website.
2) Onsite Physical Activity Policy
Worksites would be tasked to provide photos showing evidence 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)
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.
3) Onsite Healthy Food Policy
Worksites would be tasked 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 on company letterhead that details the minimum and maximum ranges of nutrient composition of food items sold either in onsite vending machines and/or onsite cafeteria options for employees at your worksite(s)
- 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.
Both of the above standards are sourced from the Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2017.
4) 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.
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".
