Washington County to Present 14th Annual Public Health Recognition Awards

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 29, 2016

As part of National Public Health Week, Washington County Department of Health and Human Services will present the 14th Annual Public Health Recognition Awards on Tuesday, April 5, 11:30 a.m., in the Public Services Building cafeteria, 155 N. First Ave, Hillsboro. A reception with refreshments as well as interactive, fun and educational public health displays will immediately follow the ceremony. All are welcome! For more information, contact Wendy Gordon at 503-846-3634.

This year's honorees:

• The "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. The award will be presented to Rachel Parker of the Inukai Family Boys & Girls Club for her tireless dedication and commitment to improving the lives and health outcomes for all Washington County youth.
  
  
• The "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. The award will be presented to Fran Jensen and Nancy Winston for their compassionate work through Bethel Congregational UCC and other partners to provide nutritional and emotional support to homeless youth.
  
  
• The "Emerging Public Health Leader Award" recognizes a youth or youth-related group that promotes healthy communities and making healthy lifestyle choices. The award will be presented to Century High School Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC) for researching self-harm and suicide and presenting information to students, staff, elected officials and school board members via "SHAC Talks."
  
  
• The "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. The award will be presented to Bilingual Program Educator Cynthia Valdivia for her unwavering passion to help Washington County employees and residents be prepared for an emergency.

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