Knee/Wittman Health & Mental Health Achievement Awards

Legendary social workers Ruth Knee (1920-2008) and Milton 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. 

Nominations for both awards will be accepted in the fall.


Knee/Wittman Lifetime Achievement Award

The Knee/Wittman 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. 


Knee/Wittman Outstanding Achievement Award

The Knee/Wittman 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.

Nomination Deadline Extended 

Online Recognition Award nominations are accepted biennially.  Nominations  will be accepted October 6 through December 2, 2021 for the 2022 NASW and NASW Foundation Recognition Awards.


Questions?


Please contact us at governance@socialworkers.org or 202-336-8270.

To learn more about the NASW Foundation Awards, please visit the Foundation's website

2022 Distinguished Awardees


  • Emerging Social Work Leader
    Monique Bingham, MSW
  • Public Citizen of the Year
    Dan Broyles, LMFT
  • Social Worker of the Year
    Patrice A. Palmer, DD, CDKA, MSW, LSW
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
    Nancy D. Miller, LMSW
  • Public Elected Official of the Year
    The Late Honorable Congressman John Lewis
  • Knee/Wittman Lifetime Achievement
    Denise Juliano-Bult, MSW
  • Knee/Wittman Outstanding Achievement
    The Honorable Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm, MSW
  • International Rhoda G. Sarnat Award
    Silas W. Kelly, LMSW