Marking a day of reflection on public health achievements and legacies in Utah, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) celebrated the anniversary of trailblazer Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon’s birth, alongside honoring one of their own. Marie Nagata, a long-standing program manager at DHHS, received the prestigious Martha Hughes Cannon Lifetime Achievement Award for her exceptional contributions, much like Cannon did as the first female state senator and a passionate public health advocate. Dr. Cannon, whose historic efforts laid down the roots for the DHHS, was also commemorated for her tireless work in women’s rights and public health reform.
Acknowledged for her more than 30 years of service, Nagata has been behind significant achievements such as increasing women’s access to crucial healthcare. Under her management, the Utah Breast and Cervical Cancer Program screened 11,000 women in fiscal year 2025, a staggering rise from 6,000 in 2017. According to DHHS, her role was also vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to quickly and accurately disseminate information through the department's Health Resource Line and online chat services.
During the award presentation at the Utah State Capitol, Tracy Gruber, DHHS executive director, celebrated the department's embodiment of Dr. Cannon's legacy through individuals like Nagata. "This lifetime achievement award recognizes an employee who has shown excellence or made significant contributions over a career and embodies the characteristics and legacy of Dr. Cannon—someone who pushes boundaries, shows courage in the face of significant challenges, and who stands up for those who are marginalized and misunderstood," Gruber stated, as per DHHS.
Other individuals who had their contributions spotlighted include Kathy Fife, with over three decades at the Office of Recovery Services, and Casey Christopherson, safeguarding children and families for a similar tenure. Melissa Stevens Dimond's extensive contributions to public health were also recognized. Heather Borski, assistant deputy director over Community Health & Well-Being, highlighted the breadth of Nagata's influence, saying, "When you call the Utah Department of Health and Human Services main phone line, it’s most likely Marie and her team answering your call. Every year they field thousands of questions on every health topic imaginable, help people enroll in programs and services, and track down answers to hard questions," as obtained by DHHS.
