Annual Public Health Awards Presented Today

Public Health Partners in H1N1 Prevention Efforts Also Honored

Eight individuals and organizations will be honored at the 2010 Public Health Awards ceremony held today, April 22, at 1:30 p.m. at the Exhibition Hall of the Alliant Energy Center, Monona/Wingra rooms. Public Health Awards recognize significant contributions made by the recipients to the health of the people and the environment of Madison and Dane County. In addition, this year's ceremony will also recognize those many individuals and organizations in our community that partnered with public health to respond to the 2009-2010 H1N1 flu pandemic. "Many people, from all walks of life, contribute. We honor them on this day and benefit from their good work for the public health every day," said Dr. Thomas Schlenker, Director of Public Health Madison and Dane County. Nominations for the Public Health awards were submitted by individuals and organizations in the community, and by Public Health staff. At the ceremony, public health staff will highlight the specific contributions that each honoree has made to the health of the community. 2010 Public Health Award Recipients: Advocacy Award: Rebecca McSorley, Volunteer Medical Student, MEDiC Clinic Coordinator, Salvation Army Homeless Shelter For advocating for client needs and guiding other medical students on effectively working with and advocating for the underserved population at the Salvation Army. Distinguished Service Award Betty Banks, Executive Director, Today Not Tomorrow, Inc. For a distinguished career in providing education and advocating for families, especially African American families and families of children with disabilities. Leadership Award Cheryl Wittke, Director of Safe Communities For leadership in building partnerships of diverse people and organizations to work on injury prevention efforts shown to be effective in saving lives, preventing injuries and making our communities safer. Partnership Award Kate Pender, St Mary's Hospital Community Parish Nurse, Triangle Ministry For leadership and collaboration with Public Health and others in engaging Triangle residents for emergency preparedness using social capital theory -neighbors helping neighbors. Prevention Award: Susan Bulgrin (Culvers Frozen Custard), Wally Borowski (Paisans) Melanie Horzuesky, (Bluephies) For providing invaluable guidance to Public Health as members of the Safe Food Advisory Committee on food policy issues including enforcement, inspection, food codes, education and training. Volunteer Award: Marilyn Howe, Home Safety Volunteer, RSVP of Dane County For helping organize the RSVP home safety assessment program and providing over 100 home safety visits to older adults in Dane County. -END-