Dr. Toby Merlin, Director of CDC's Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, Receives Presidential Award From Association of Public Health Laboratories

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - May 23, 2012) - The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) presented Toby L. Merlin, MD, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, with the Presidential Award on Tuesday, May 22 during the 2012 APHL Annual Meeting & Sixth Government Environmental Laboratory Conference in Seattle, Washington.

The Presidential Award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the association's work to promote policies that strengthen public health laboratories. The 2012 award winner was selected by APHL President Dr. Victor Waddell, bureau chief of the Arizona Bureau of State Laboratory Services.

Dr. Merlin has been a strong supporter of public health laboratories from his earliest days with CDC in the Division of Laboratory Systems. As deputy director of the Influenza Coordination Unit during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, he was a tireless problem solver, working through issues both lab and systems related. In his current role at the Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, he has worked with APHL to streamline the award process for funding through the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (ELC) cooperative agreement, which provides a critical funding source for the nation's public health system, including public health laboratories.

"Dr. Merlin was at the eye of the storm during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. His clarity of thought and ease in communications during this stressful time was a lifesaver for many," said Victor Waddell, PhD, president of APHL. "He continues to be a steadfast supporter of public health laboratories. We are honored to recognize him with this award."

The Association of Public Health Laboratories is a national nonprofit located in Silver Spring, MD, that is dedicated to working with members to strengthen governmental laboratories with a public health mandate. By promoting effective programs and public policy, APHL strives to provide public health laboratories with the resources and infrastructure needed to protect the health of US residents and to prevent and control disease globally.