Nine individuals and organizations will be honored at the 2011 Public Health Awards ceremony to be held on Monday, April 11, at 1:30 p.m. at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Drive, Madison. Public Health Awards recognize those who have made significant contributions and demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving public health.

"In these difficult times, guarding the public's health is more important than ever. Today we honor those who have made exceptional contributions," said Dr. Thomas Schlenker, Director of Public Health Madison and Dane County.

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 and Dane County officials and Public Health staff.

2011 Public Health Award Recipients:

Advocacy Award

Luis & Lupita Montoto and Diego Campoverde,
La Movida Radio, Voz Latina Newspaper

For personal and professional commitment to providing print and radio coverage of public health issues and services for the Latino community.

Distinguished Service Award

Community GroundWorks (Formerly Friends of Troy Gardens)

For developing land in a sustainable manner, improving food security, and providing educational programs on gardening, food preparation, nutrition and the environment.

Leadership Award

Ed Ruckriegel, Madison Fire Marshal

For leadership in injury prevention by spearheading the Madison Smoke Alarm Ordinance passage and initiating other injury prevention programs including car seat checks, Safety Saturday, and Safety Town.

Leadership Award

Lisa Bell, RDH, MPH
Executive Director, Madison Dental Initiative

For initiating, implementing and volunteering for the Madison Dental Initiative, which provides free dental care at the Salvation Army's Homeless Shelter.

Partnership Award

Southwest Community Organizing Committee

For joining together four Southwest Madison neighborhoods to improve health and safety by engaging residents in community organizing and collective action.

Partnership Award

Cate Ranheim, MD
Meriter Medical Group, Meriter Foundation

For designing and implementing the Helping Educate and Link the Homeless (HEALTH) Program, a health outreach program that reduces barriers for those who are homeless or in transitional housing to receive medical care.

Prevention Award

Jeff Maurer, General Manager, Fresh Madison Market

For working with, and providing resources for the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County to change the food environment from deep fat fried foods to lower-fat, grilled healthier foods.

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NEWS RELEASE
Public Health Madison & Dane County