Dr. Julie Blehm Presented with Copic Humanitarian Award
Dr. Julie Blehm, a retired physician who practiced internal medicine for more than 30 years, was recognized during the North Dakota Medical Association’s (NDMA) Annual Meeting for being the 2025 recipient of the COPIC Humanitarian Award.
This prestigious award honors a North Dakota Medical Association (NDMA) physician for volunteer medical services and contributions to the community. The award is sponsored by Copic - NDMA’s medical liability partner – and designates a $10,000 donation to the recipient’s charity of choice.
Dr. Blehm was nominated for the award by Dr. Misty Anderson, a physician from Valley City who knew her well throughout her medical career and her volunteer efforts. Dr. Blehm has been a servant leader for many years and is known for her leadership roles in healthcare and community volunteerism. She has been involved with Special Olympics North Dakota for 20 years and served on the board of directors. As a medical professional and a parent of a Special Olympics athlete, she has a unique perspective on the impact of Special Olympics on people with intellectual disabilities. She has watched her daughter’s confidence grow as she meets other people like her.
Because of her experience with suicide loss, she is a fierce advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Drawing from her experience, she became involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, North Dakota Chapter. She was also instrumental in the formation of the North Dakota Professional Health Program – a program that supports medical professionals affected by mental illness and substance use disorders. With remarkable passion, she lobbied legislators to secure funding for the program and served on the board from its inception in 2014 through 2024.
Dr. Blehm selected the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, North Dakota Chapter (AFSP) as the recipient of the $10,000 Copic donation. The mission of AFSP is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. The AFSP funds research to improve interventions, trains clinicians in suicide prevention, and advocates for policy that will save lives.
NDMA is a member organization dedicated to protecting physician practices and patient care. Learn more about NDMA at ndmed.org.