Public Health Heroes

Multnomah County's 10th annual Public Health Heroes Celebration is fast approaching!

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, we are hosting the 10th annual Public Health Heroes Celebration on April 8, from 11am-12pm.

Nominations

You may nominate a person or group for a Public Health Hero award using our online nomination form»

You can also download a printable form
or call 503-988-3674 ext. 26113 and a form can be sent to you. If you need assistance filling out the form, please contact May-Lynn at 503-901-2121.

Deadline: Friday, March 5, 2010

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.

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.

What are the award categories?

There are six categories to choose from:

• The Josiah Hill Award  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  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.

When and where is the Public Health Heroes Celebration?

Thursday, April 8, 2010, 11am to 12pm
Multnomah Building Boardroom
501 SE Hawthorne St, Portland

Bus: TriMet buses #4 #10, #14
Parking: Free off-street parking. There is also a reasonably priced parking lot directly across from the Multnomah Building.

Is this event open to the public?

Yes! This event is free and the public is invited. 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.

More Information

Contact May-Lynn Chu, 503-901-2121
may-lynn.chu@co.multnomah.or.us

Page updated January 21, 2010