RAPID CITY, SD – The Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board is thrilled to announce that Dr. Meghan O'Connell, MD, MPH (Cherokee), Lead Epidemiologist for the Great Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center, has been named a 2025 recipient of the esteemed HIMSS Changemaker in Health Award. This global recognition honors individuals who have made transformative contributions to advancing healthcare through information and technology.
Dr. O’Connell is part of the leadership at the Great Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center, a division of the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board dedicated to improving public health outcomes for tribal nations across the region. Her innovative work and unwavering dedication have established her as a champion for tribal data sovereignty and health equity, addressing critical public health challenges and advocating for the rights of Indigenous communities to control and utilize their own health data.
Transforming Public Health in the Great Plains
Under Dr. O’Connell’s leadership, the Great Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center has been instrumental in responding to pressing health concerns, including syphilis outbreaks across the Great Plains region. Through her collaborative efforts with tribes and organizations serving tribal nations, she has worked tirelessly to improve health equity, develop effective public health strategies, and build capacity within tribal communities.
Dr. O’Connell’s work has extended beyond addressing immediate health concerns. She has consistently advocated for systemic change, emphasizing the importance of tribal sovereignty in health data management and decision-making. Her efforts have empowered tribal nations with the tools and knowledge to take control of their public health futures.
Recognition of Visionary Leadership
The HIMSS Changemaker in Health Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate visionary leadership and a commitment to driving meaningful change in the global health ecosystem. Dr. O’Connell’s selection as an award recipient places her among an elite group of healthcare professionals recognized for their innovative use of technology and advocacy for underserved populations.
About HIMSS and the Changemaker in Health Award
HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) is a global nonprofit organization focused on transforming healthcare through the power of information and technology. The Changemaker in Health Award honors leaders who exemplify the use of health IT to improve health outcomes and create more equitable health systems.
