Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington to Host and Honor Dr. Anthony Fauci

The Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington announced that Dr. Anthony Fauci will be this year’s recipient of the Ryan White Distinguished Leadership Award. Established in 2009 by the school's Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention (RCAP), the award recognizes individuals who are "exemplary bearers of the standard of excellence and commitment needed to combat HIV/AIDS."

"Recipients of the Ryan White Distinguished Leadership Award have demonstrated their solemn promise to scientific methods, access to treatment, and educating the public," said Professor William L. Yarber, senior director of RCAP. "Dr. Fauci—from his early and continuing work in HIV/AIDS prevention to the COVID-19 pandemic—is perhaps the most recognizable figure associated with infectious disease research and public awareness."

Dean David B. Allison said, "In legend, the superhuman Golem indefatigably, unrelentingly, and unendingly defends his people when activated by the word אמת (truth). So too have stalwart members of the scientific community, throughout history, defended their peoples, communities, and humanity at large by uncompromisingly standing up for the pursuit and communication of truth through science. And as we have stared down this demon of a pandemic, no figure has more prominently represented this commitment to science and truth than the heroic Dr. Fauci."

RCAP will present the award to Dr. Fauci, hosting him for a "fireside chat," in a virtual ceremony on December 6 at 5:15 p.m. EST.

Past recipients include Dr. Joycelyn Elders, Greg Louganis, Dr. C. Everett Koop, and Jeanne White-Ginder, mother of Ryan White.

White, an Indiana teen who was diagnosed with HIV in 1984 after receiving tainted blood products, was banned from public school despite assurance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Indiana State Department of Health that he posed no risk to students and staff. His legal battle to return to school made international news. He died April 8, 1990 at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis at the age of 18.

Established in 1994, RCAP promotes prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases in rural America. It has been largely supported through a partnership with the CDC. To learn more, visit rcap.indiana.edu.