Public Health Week 2024
National Public Health Week was April 1-7. This year's theme was Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health. On April 5, Washington County Department of Health and Human Services honored significant contributions to public health that promote and support a culture of health and well-being in Washington County. We presented the following awards:
- Lucia Benavides received the Public Health Ambassador Award, which recognizes an individual, family or small group who has raised awareness of public health issues, developed projects with a lasting impact, and/or influenced systems or policy changes.
- Beaverton Resource Center received the Partner in Public Health Award, which recognizes an organization or business that has developed innovative public health programs that positively affect its employees and/or the community at large.
- Pacific University's Reproductive Justice Action Team (RJAT) received the Emerging Public Health LeaderAward which recognizes a youth or youth-related group (including college) who promotes healthy communities and making healthy lifestyle choices.
- Tessa Robinson, a community health nurse, received the Washington County Employee Award, which recognizes an exemplary Washington County staff member who has gone above and beyond their regular work responsibilities to make a difference in public health.
Past Public Health Week Award Honorees
- 2023: No awards this year.
- 2022: Medical Reserve Corps, Public Health Institute, Araceli Acosta with Beaverton City Library, Neighborhood Health Center, Providence Infectious Disease Consultants
- 2021: Naomi Hunsaker, Erin Parrish and Amy Manchester Harris; Dacia and Matt Graber; Adelante Mujeres Chicas Program; Sonrise Church
- 2020: No awards due to pandemic response
- 2019: Ruth Zuniga, Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Planned Parenthood Beaverton Teen Council, Andy Cartmill (Facebook album)
- 2018: Lisa Allen; Hillsboro Water Department, Banks High School Fire Science Students; Annette Evans (Facebook album)
- 2017: Sexton Mountain Walking School Bus Program; Rachel French and Neighborhood Health Center; Jared Kawatani; Erin Jolly (Facebook album)
- 2016: Rachel Parker; Fran Jensen and Nancy Winston; Century High School Student Health Advisory Council; Cynthia Valdivia (Facebook album)
- 2015: Herb Lommen, Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District and FamilyCare, Inc., Rebels for a Cause, Adam Knapp (Facebook album)
- 2014: Kaely Summers, Sonrise Church, Sierra Studnick, Sue Omel (Facebook album)
- 2013: Michelle Rodriguez; Tigard Turns the Tide
- 2012: Paul Hudak; Community Action Early Head Start and Coffee Creek Correctional Facility
- 2011: Marilyn Hickman, RN, BSN, BC; Providence Infections Disease Consultants
- 2010: Michelle Brady, RN, BSN; Adelante Mujeres, Adelante Agricultura
- 2009: Lisa Vincent; Community Action Organization, Opening Doors
- 2008: Loaves and Fishes Centers
- 2007: Susan Greathouse, RD/LD, MPH, IBCLC; Essential Health Clinic
- 2006: Jan Larsen, RN, BSN; TriMet
- 2005: Roberto Varona; Pacific University School of Physician Assistant Studies
- 2004: Lorene Piontkowski, RN; Forest Grove Family Resource Center
- 2003: Helen Emmons, RN; ¡Salud!
Check out our video for a look behind the scenes at Washington County Public Health.