Last night, the Arizona Public Health Association (AzPHA) held its 2025 Public Health Awards event in downtown Phoenix, where, among the distinguished professionals being celebrated, Barbara Lang stood out as the recipient of the Pete Wertheim Public Health Leadership Award. With a career spanning over two decades in various sectors of public service, Lang's commitment to enhancing health outcomes in Arizona hasn't gone unnoticed.
Honoring Lang, the accolade is reserved for individuals demonstrating the ability to innovate and lead in ways that positively impact public health. Having managed significant teams and budgets, Lang is no stranger to executive decision-making and delivering transformative results—recognized by AzPHA last night for just that. According to a statement on the Cochise County official website, Lang felt "overcome and humbled" by the recognition, quickly crediting her teams and partners who are firmly stationed in the trenches every day.
Lang's notable career achievements include spearheading behavioral health initiatives, creating administrative codes for over 1,200 behavioral health organizations, and championing rural health care. Her leadership helped expand care to underserved areas, earning her the Women in Rural Health Award back in 2017. Furthermore, Lang has been instrumental in influencing national health care standards, contributing to both the National Quality Forum and the CARF accreditation workgroup.
