The Iowa Medical Society (IMS), the statewide professional organization for physicians, has identified the Partnership for Alcohol Safety, a joint effort of the University of Iowa and the City of Iowa City, as the recipient of the 2014 Special Presidential Citation Award.

The award will be given during the IMS Annual Meeting on April 12 in Des Moines.

The mission of the Partnership for Alcohol Safety is to identify and advocate for strategies that reduce high-risk drinking and promote a vibrant downtown. Its values stress collaboration, community, and a results orientation.

Members include university and community leaders, business owners, school and public health officials, law enforcement officials, parents, faith leaders and members of the news media.

"The success of the Partnership for Alcohol Safety in reducing the negative effects of high-risk drinking on the Iowa City community demonstrates the power of collaboration among people with differing perspectives but common values,” said Tom Rocklin, UI vice president for student life. "We are honored to be recognized by the Iowa Medical Society."

Victoria Sharp, M.D., IMS president, said in a letter to Rocklin and Iowa City Mayor Matt Hayek that the award is given at the president’s discretion and has been conferred just twice in the history of the society.

"The mission of the Iowa Medical Society is to assure the highest quality healthcare in Iowa through our role as physician and patient advocate. IMS selected the Partnership for Alcohol Safety in recognition of their successful efforts to identify, advocate for, and implement strategies that reduce high-risk drinking in Iowa City,” Sharp said. “We applaud the Partnership for its work to improve the health and well-being of the Iowa City community.”