DIANA's History

Dramatic changes have occurred in the world since the 1950s, affecting the way we do business, both across the healthcare industry and within HDMA. One thing has not changed. Every year since 1959, the Distribution Industry Award for Notable Achievements in Healthcare (DIANA) has been awarded to pharmaceutical and consumer products manufacturers that set the standard of excellence in new product introductions, product promotions and business practices with HDMA healthcare distributors.

During the 1959 annual meeting of the National Wholesale Druggists’ Association (NWDA), the prestigious DIANA statuette made its debut. The award was proposed by NWDA Secretary Harry Kimbriel, who believed that “some sort of industrial ‘Oscar’ award should be presented to the associate member companies with especially outstanding packages and/or selling sheets.”

Since the first DIANAs were presented in 1959, many winners have been honored for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the healthcare supply chain. Celebrities–including 1961’s Miss Universe Marlene Schmidt–have presented the DIANA. Entertainment at the Annual Leadership Forum Awards Banquet has ranged from Julie London and Nancy Wilson, to George Kirby and recently, Michael McDonald at the 2008 Awards Banquet.

This year HDMA will honor 13 leading manufacturers with the DIANA, the Distribution Industry Award for Notable Achievements in Healthcare. These DIANA winners will stand in the prestigious winners circle and serve as industry models for leadership and innovation.

Join HDMA in celebrating more than 50 years of honoring excellence within the healthcare supply chain!

Click here to view past DIANA award winners.

Questions? 

Call Lisa Gallagher, Director of Member Services at (703) 885-0251.