Washington County Grants Honors for Achievements in Public Health

For Immediate Release: Monday, March 28, 2011

Washington County Department of Health and Human Services today announced the winners of the annual Public Health Awards. These awards are given to honor an individual or a group that has made a significant contribution to the health of the community. The awards will be presented at a public ceremony on Wednesday, April 6, at 9:00 a.m. in the Shirley Huffman Auditorium at the Charles D. Cameron Public Services Building, 155 N. First Avenue in Hillsboro. A reception will follow.

"We offer these awards to help broaden people's awareness of public health by recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions and commitment to improving the public's health," says Washington County Public Health Division Manager Kathleen O'Leary. "It is a pleasure to honor those who make the health of our community better," says O'Leary.

Receiving honors in the organization category will be the Infectious Disease Consultants of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. The specialty clinic was cited for the leadership they have provided with community partners in the control of tuberculosis (TB) and their expert medical care of people affected by TB.

"[It] is a service that TB health officers and controllers have admired as exceptional community service. For those people with tuberculosis and the public health nurses who care for them, this medical group provides heroic and unsung intervention and support on a daily basis," according to Dr. Jennifer Vines, Interim Deputy Health Officer for Washington County. Physicians Paul Sehdev, Cameron Cover, Jennifer Marfori and Rachel Plotinsky staff the Infectious Disease Clinic.

The award for an individual will be awarded to Tuality Healthcare nurse Marilyn Hickman. Hickman was noted for her contribution to health education and workforce development in the health professions. She runs career days for 300 high school students each year and oversees 40 or more student interns as they work with health care professionals, providing career-related learning experiences.

For further information, call 503-846-4965.

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