Public Health Heroes 2008

Multnomah County's 8th annual Public Health Heroes Celebration is fast approaching!

The Multnomah County Health Department recognizes that there are many people and organizations working in your community to help others make their lives better. To honor these people and organizations, the health department is hosting the 8th annual Public Health Heroes Celebration on April 10, 2008 from 11:00am - 12:00pm.

The 2008 winners have been announced!

What Is Public Health?

Public health is the art and science of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and research for disease and injury prevention. Public health works to prevent health problems before they occur.

Public health helps to improve the health and well being of people in local communities and all across the nation. The focus is on an entire community, rather than an individual. Public health helps people achieve a healthier lifestyle.

What is a public health hero?

A public health hero is a person or organization that promotes public health in their daily lives. This person, organization or business embodies following criteria:

• Public health efforts make a significant difference in the lives of the people served.
• Public health efforts build on individual and community strengths and assets.
• Efforts mobilize individuals and community groups to work in collaboration and cooperation.
• Efforts are unique, innovative, or fill an identified gap in a specific community.
• Characterized by social justice and a celebration of diversity.

I know someone in my community who is a public health hero. How do I nominate them?

(Nominations are now closed)

Can I nominate more than one person or group?

You can nominate as many deserving people or groups as you like. However, you must fill out separate nomination forms. There are five categories to choose from:

• The Josiah Hill Award – this award is for outstanding community leaders dedicated to fighting for social, racial, health and environmental justice.
• Multnomah County Employee – for current Multnomah County employees who demonstrate outstanding service to the public.
• Business – recognizes a business that promotes public health through their business practices.
• Community-Based Organization – this award is for a community agency.
• Katie Jeans-Gail Award for Young Heroes –for a youth or youth-related group who inspires or promotes other young people to make healthy lifestyle choices.
• Governor John Kitzhaber Public Health Leadership – for outstanding policy leaders (individual or organization) who work to influence policy solutions that have improved the public health environment for all members of our community in Multnomah County and the state of Oregon.

NOMINATIONS ARE closed!

When and where is Multnomah County's Public Health Heroes Celebration?

This year, the celebration will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2008 from 11:00am to 12:00pm in the Boardroom at the Multnomah Building on 501 SE Hawthorne Street. This location is accessible by TriMet buses #4 #10, and #14. There is free off street parking available and there is a reasonably priced parking lot directly across from the Multnomah Building.

Is this event open to the public?

This event is free and open to all members of the public. It is an opportunity for Multnomah County Health Department and the Board of County Commissioners to recognize deserving organizations and people in the community who support and promote public health. There will be a reception with light refreshments immediately following the Celebration.

County employees are encouraged to attend but must receive approval from their supervisor if attending during work hours.

For more information about Multnomah County Health Department's 8th annual Public Health Heroes Celebration, please contact Kate Yen at 503-988-3674 or at kate.yen@co.multnomah.or.us. Please join us on April 10th to celebrate the 2008 Public Health Heroes of Multnomah County.

Page updated March 19, 2008