Washington County to Present 15th Annual Public Health Recognition Awards

For Immediate Release: Monday, March 27, 2017

As part of National Public Health Week (April 3-9, 2017), Washington County Department of Health and Human Services will honor significant contributions to public health in Washington County with the 15th Annual Public Health Recognition Awards.

The awards ceremony and reception will take place on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., in Room 103 of the Washington Street Conference Center, located on the first floor of the parking structure at 102 SW Washington Street in downtown Hillsboro.

This year's honorees:

• The "Public Health Ambassador Award" recognizes an individual, family or small group 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 Sexton Mountain Elementary Walking School Bus Program for engaging in a healthy and active lifestyle by walking at least one mile to school, practicing safe pedestrian skills, and arriving at school energized and ready to learn.
• 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 Rachel French and Neighborhood Health Center for providing vital dental screenings and services for at-risk infants and children in Washington County’s WIC program.
• 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 Jared Kawatani for addressing food insecurity at Pacific University by establishing a food pantry on campus.
• 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 Senior Program Coordinator Erin Jolly for expertly leading the Public Health Division through the accreditation application process, and for facilitating and nurturing dozens of community partnerships to improve the public’s health.

A reception will immediately follow the ceremony. All are welcome.

Washington County Public Health is in the process of developing its 2017 community health improvement plan based on data collected in a 2016 community health assessment. Attendees will have the opportunity to weigh in on priority health issues in Washington County.

For more information, contact Kerry Colette at 503-846-3668.

Washington County Public Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, improves and protects the public’s health across the lifespan through prevention, education, partnerships and healthy environments.

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