The American Public Health Association selected retiring Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) as the group’s 2010 distinguished leaders.

The organization gave Dodd the nod, in part, for his work shepherding the health care reform bill in the Senate. The APHA noted that it picked Capps for her work to address the health effects of climate change in the American Clean Energy and Security Act and for her support of a public health insurance option.

The award is presented annually to lawmakers serving at the federal, state or local level who have made significant contributions to advancing legislation to improve and protect public health, the group said in a statement.

“On behalf of the American Public Health Association, I would like to congratulate Sen. Dodd and Rep. Capps on their achievements and thank them for their dedication and extraordinary contributions to improving our nation’s health,” APHA Executive Director Georges Benjamin said in a statement. “Through their steadfast commitment and leadership, they have had a profound impact on protecting the health of countless Americans. They set an example for other legislators to follow.”

The group also said it was recognizing Dodd for his support of stronger regulations for tobacco products and for his advocacy for children’s health and mental health issues.

The 2010 Distinguished Public Health Legislator of the Year awards will be presented in November in Denver during the group’s 138th annual meeting.