Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health will recognize winners of the 2018 Public Health Community Award at 8:30 am Wednesday, April 25. The ceremony will open the board’s monthly meeting in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
Winners are:
Jan Wichert, individual award – Wichert has recently succeeded in establishing the Bridgeview Education & Employment Resource Center, in collaboration with 25 community partners. In this effort and her work with the Vancouver Housing Authority, Wichert has shown herself to be committed to social justice and assisting underserved low-income families. Exhbiting creativity, innovation and a collaborative spirit, she contributes to the health of different communities.
Clark County Food Bank, organization award – Clark County Food Bank’s efforts to alleviate hunger and its root causes demonstrate a dedication to collaboration, education and excellence. Last year, the food bank worked with 40 partner agencies to distribute nearly 7 million pounds of food to 112,553 individuals throughout Clark County and provided nutrition education to 3,696 individuals. The food bank grows crops at the 78th Street Heritage Farm, gleans healthy food from grocery stores, runs a mobile food distribution, Food Bank Fresh, and recently opened a pantry serving the Fruit Valley neighborhood in Vancouver.
The following were selected for “Honorable Mention” recognition:
Bloodworks Northwest, Volunteer Team – Volunteering thousands of hours each year to help ensure blood is available for local patients.
Clark County Breastfeeding Coalition – Ensuring education, collaboration and support for mothers to get connected to resources, become comfortable with breastfeeding, and to advocate for families.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practitioners – Providing free community education classes focusing on baby boomer and senior health by volunteering time and expertise as licensed medical professionals.
Jonathan Hokama, Vancouver Run, Grub and Chug Club – Encouraging physical activity and community connection through organizing an inclusive running club that has touched more than 1,700 individuals.
Kachina Inman, Healthy Living Collaborative – Providing leadership and dedication to the Healthy Living Collaborative and development of a network of Community Health Workers.
Leontina Liebe, Camas High School – Supporting student wellness in excess of her responsibilities as a school counselor.
Teresia Hazen, Legacy Health Healing Garden Program – Supporting patient wellness and recovery by developing and overseeing a therapeutic garden program.
Unite! Washougal – Addressing community health issues through collaboration with volunteers from various community sectors.