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Public Health Week

National Public Health Week takes place during the first week of April each year.

Public Health Week 2024

National Public Health Week takes place April 1-7. This year's theme is Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health. Washington County Department of Health and Human Services will honor significant contributions to public health that promote and support a culture of health and well-being in Washington County. The Annual Public Health Recognition Awards will be presented on Friday, April 5, 10 a.m. at the Washington Street Conference Center at 102 SW Washington St, Hillsboro, OR 97123. All are welcome! RSVP using Eventbrite.

We are accepting nominations in the following categories. We will assign your nominee to the most appropriate category. We will also notify them of their nomination or award selection.

  • The Public Health Ambassador Award 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.
  • 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 Emerging Public Health Leader Award recognizes a youth or youth-related group (including college) who promotes healthy communities and making healthy lifestyle choices.
  • 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.

Nominations are due by March 20.

Past Public Health Week Award Honorees

  • 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.

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