COLUMBUS – Following a unique and challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) will be presenting its 2021 William C. Habig Collaborative Achievement Award collectively to central Ohio’s public health districts within the 15-county region.

The award will be presented at the commission’s State of the Region event on March 31.

MORPC’s annual State of the Region awards are presented to those who have made significant contributions to the region. The William C. Habig Collaborative Achievement Award honors individuals or organizations that have achieved an effective effort or innovative collaborative project in central Ohio.

The region’s many local health professionals — public health nurses, physicians and epidemiologists as well as registered sanitarians, health educators, administrators and more – are continuing to work together to help residents navigate through the pandemic. The challenges of the past year have demonstrated the importance of having these individuals be there when we most need them, to develop good health policy and to safely guide the region as we turn the corner and adjust to what is ahead.

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s annual State of the Region event will take place virtually on March 31, 2021. State of the Region is MORPC’s signature event, bringing together hundreds of political, business and civic leaders to celebrate central Ohio’s accomplishments and address future challenges and opportunities. This year’s event will highlight the theme “Our Future Envisioned.”