Eli Capilouto, D.M.D., M.P.H., Sc.D., former dean of the School of Public Health, announced the new program at the school’s annual awards luncheon held this summer in Birmingham. “This lasting tribute honors the work Congressman Callahan has done on behalf of Alabama, the United States, and the world community,” says Dr. Capilouto.

Among his contributions to improving the health of millions of people around the globe, Rep. Callahan was instrumental in establishing the Child Survival and Disease Program Fund. The fund supports public-health programs abroad, including child survival, maternal health, health system, polio eradication, and infectious disease prevention programs. “Children and adults from the Black Belt to Bangladesh enjoy cleaner water, safer food, and a lower incidence of disease because of his labors,” Dr. Capilouto says.

Closer to home, Rep. Callahan has effectively worked to ensure safe water supplies to Alabama communities. “One town, in particular, used to lose its water supply for 18 to 24 hours at a time,” notes Dr. Capilouto. “In this area, also marked by the state’s highest rate of unemployment, Rep. Callahan fought to ensure sufficient water systems to support new industry for the people who live there. He reminds us that prevention is not a partisan issue.”

The scholarship fund will attract talented students to UAB to study disease and disability prevention, as well as ways to improve quality of life and reduce health-care costs. Dr. Capilouto believes this is a fitting tribute to Congressman Callahan, who has dedicated himself to a career that helps to improve so many lives.

“Sonny Callahan will see but few of the millions of faces who will know a better life because he cares,” says Dr. Capilouto. “Only a tiny fraction of these millions live in his district and will ever cast a vote for him. The greatest deeds are those done for those whom you do not know and whom the deeds allow to help themselves. Sonny Callahan has performed great deeds.”