Public Health Week

National Public Health Week 2013 was April 1-7. Public Health staff and this year's award winners

In celebration and recognition of local public health efforts, Washington County presented the 11th Annual Public Health Recognition Awards on April 4. This year, both the individual and organization are being honored for their work to prevent alcohol and drug use among youth.  

Michelle Rodriguez is the honoree in the "individual" category. As the director of Hillsboro Empowers Youth (HEY!), Rodriguez brings the community together to promote a safe, healthy and drug-free lifestyle for Hillsboro youth. Some of HEY's initiatives include Prom Perfect, which promotes the message that Prom can be fun without substance abuse; prevention clubs at all of the district's middle schools and two high schools; "Parent University" to educate parents about drug and alcohol trends in the community; retail compliance checks; and drug turn-in events.

In the organizational category, Tigard Turns the Tide was honored. Established in 1982, this coalition works to promote a safe and healthy community by reducing alcohol, tobacco and other drug-related problems among youth. Activities include the Tigard High STUD Club, a student club that promotes drug-free lifestyles; an annual health fair; Red Ribbon Week, a week-long event of prevention activities; and an annual all night graduation party free of alcohol and drugs.

"Supporting our youth by preventing substance abuse and establishing healthy lives is one of the best investments we can make in our communities," says Washington County Public Health Division Manager Kathleen O'Leary, RN, MPH. "These honorees exemplify prevention at its best."

Past Honorees:

  • 2003: Helen Emmons, RN; ¡Salud!
  • 2004: Lorene Piontkowski, RN; Forest Grove Family Resource Center
  • 2005: Roberto Varona; Pacific Univ. School of Physician Assistant Studies
  • 2006: Jan Larsen, RN, BSN; TriMet
  • 2007: Susan Greathouse, RD/LD, MPH, IBCLC; Essential Health Clinic
  • 2008: Loaves and Fishes Centers
  • 2009: Lisa Vincent; Community Action Organization, Opening Doors
  • 2010: Michelle Brady, RN, BSN; Adelante Mujeres, Adelante Agricultura
  • 2011: Marilyn Hickman, RN, BSN, BC; Providence Infections Disease Consultants
  • 2012: Paul Hudak; Community Action Early Head Start and Coffee Creek Correctional Facility