The Knee/Wittman Awards are given to recognize individuals who are models of excellence and have made significant contributions in the field of health and mental health. The Knee/Wittman Award Program was established to recognize those who represent the values, ethics and approaches exemplified by two dedicated social work pioneers, Ruth Knee and Milton Wittman.  The Knee/Wittman Awards are non-monetary awards recognizing outstanding achievements.

Knee and Wittman (1915-1994) guided the development of social policy and standards. Their lifelong commitments to social values and the effective provision of services to those who are disadvantaged are reflected in their careers with the Public Health Service and in their leadership roles with professional social work, public health and mental health organizations.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a professional social worker who has made exemplary contributions in health and mental health practice. Professional social work practice includes direct or clinical social work; social work education; social work research and administration related to health or mental health problems, issues or programs.

The Outstanding Achievement Award is presented to an individual or group that has made a significant impact on national mental health public policy, professional standards, or program models.  This award is not limited to social work.

The Knee/Wittman program also sponsors a lecture series addressing historical and current issues in health and mental health policy, practice and education.

2003 Knee/Wittman Health & Mental Health Achievement Award Recipients

• Lifetime Achievement
• Outstanding Achivement

Knee/Wittman Previous Award Recipients