Professor receives state award

Dr. Kathryn Kolasa

GREENVILLE, N.C.  — A professor at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University has received a state award that recognizes innovation in preventive health care.

Dr. Kathryn Kolasa, a dietitian and professor of family medicine, received the Jim Long Lifetime Achievement Award from N.C. Prevention Partners, a state organization that promotes better diets, more physical activity and reduced tobacco use. The award was presented in Chapel Hill at the group’s annual meeting and awards ceremony. Long was a state insurance commissioner, NCPP board member and an advocate of prevention. He died in 2009.

Kolasa was recognized for her extraordinary leadership to bring awareness and solutions about good nutrition to North Carolinians and across the nation. Her latest project is working to make sure employees and visitors at North Carolina hospitals have access to affordable and healthy foods and beverages at all times of day.