Nominations Sought for 14th Annual Public Health Recognition Awards

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 10, 2016

National Public Health Week is April 4-10. Since 2003, Washington County Department of Health and Human Services has honored outstanding public health efforts in the community with the Public Health Recognition Awards.

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:

• Public Health Ambassador Award recognizes an individual in the community who has raised awareness of public health issues, developed projects with a lasting impact, and/or influenced systems or policy changes.
• Partner in Public Health Award recognizes an organization/business that has developed innovative public health programs that positively affect its employees and/or the community at large.
• Emerging Public Health Leader Award recognizes a youth or youth-related group (including college) who promotes healthy communities and making healthy lifestyle choices.
• Washington County Employee Award recognizes an exemplary Washington County staff member who has gone above and beyond his or her regular work responsibilities to make a difference in public health.

Past honorees have taught hands-only CPR to groups who then train others;started a student-run community garden;collaborated to help incarcerated women provide breast milk to their infants;implemented a food program for seniors and homebound individuals;promoted tobacco-free living;provided nutritious food and educational activities for low-income children during the summer;promoted a safe, healthy and drug-free lifestyle for local youth, and more!

The 14th Annual Public Health Recognition Awards will be presented on Tuesday, April 5, at 11:30 a.m. in Washington County's Public Services Building cafeteria, 155 N. First Avenue, Hillsboro. A reception with refreshments as well as interactive and fun public health displays will follow. All are welcome. Several members of the Board of Commissioners are expected to participate in the festivities.

Nominations are due by Friday, March 4. Download a nomination form at www.co.washington.or.us/HHS or call Gwyn Ashcom at 503-846-4544 to request one.

Washington County Public Health improves and protects the public's health across the lifespan through prevention, education, partnerships and healthy environments.

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