Annual Public Health Awards Presented April 22nd

Seven Individuals and Organizations Honored

Seven individuals and organizations will be honored at the 2013 Public Health Awards ceremony to be held on Monday, April 22nd at 1:30 p.m. at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Drive, Madison. These annual Public Health Awards acknowledge those who have made significant contributions and demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving public health. According to Janel Heinrich, Director of Public Health Madison and Dane County, "One of the things that I love about public health is that it is a team effort of incredible magnitude. Every year when we start talking about Public Health Awards not only do I learn about a new public health partner or initiative, I am amazed by the outstanding contributions of so many individuals and organizations that are working to improve the health of our community. It's an honor to be able to recognize these efforts in our annual awards ceremony." Nominations for the Public Health awards were submitted by a variety of people 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 public health of the community. The awards will be presented by Madison Mayor Paul Soglin and Dane County Executive Joe Parisi This year's recipients are: Laura Friedman, RN Access Community Health Center ADVOCACY AWARD For advocacy in developing clinic systems and policies to ensure patient screening, referral, and follow-up for TB, and working closely with Public Health to ensure patient treatment and compliance. James (Jimi) Reinke, Prevention Specialist, AIDS Resource Center; and Heidi Olson-Streed, Harm Reduction Educator, AIDS Network PREVENTION AWARD For work with the hard-to-reach injection drug user population to prevent transmission of disease and overdose deaths. Jay Kiefer Program Director, Youth Services of Southern Wisconsin PREVENTION AWARD For creating and implementing a model for employment training that provides an intergenerational framework to get high-risk youth involved in neighborhood beautification, community gardens, and community building. Phil Pellitteri Distinguished Faculty Associate, UW Department of Entomology DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD For distinguished service in providing technical expertise and education to help Public Health, the community, businesses, and other organizations identify and respond to threats posed by insects. Matt Hendricks Director, Village of Marshall Parks & Recreation LEADERSHIP AWARD For leadership and vision in bringing together community partners to create diverse opportunities for Marshall residents to enjoy the outdoors, become physically active, and promote healthy lifestyles. Dane County Drug Treatment Court PARTNERSHIP AWARD For partnering to develop and implement an evidence-based alternative sanction program for substance abuse offenders, which provides treatment and linkages to education and employment. -END- NEWS RELEASE Public Health - Madison & Dane County