Politics & Government

Encinitas Organization Honored for Improving Health of Local Residents

Fifteen local individuals and organizations were honored for their contributions to improving the health and well-being of area residents and communities.

The 13th annual Live Well San Diego Public Health Champion Awards were presented Friday by the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) at the County Administration Center in San Diego.

“These award winners are true community heroes and they have worked so hard to improve the health and safety of San Diego County residents,” said Chairwoman Dianne Jacob, County Board of Supervisors. “Much of their work is done without fanfare, but their contributions—large or small—are vital to the welfare of our residents and our region.”

Find out what's happening in Encinitaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This year’s awards recognize achievements related to the 2014 National Public Health Week theme—Public Health: Start Here! The Live Well San Diego Public Health Champion Awards were created to recognize public and private partnerships and the ongoing collaboration to improve overall health and wellness of the county’s diverse populations.

“These public health professionals are guiding individuals and communities through the many changes of the public health system,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Their work exemplifies exceptional achievements, longstanding excellence and outstanding leadership to improve and protect the health of San Diego County residents.”

Find out what's happening in Encinitaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The awards have been presented every year and are part of Live Well San Diego, the County’s ongoing initiative to improve the health and wellbeing of area residents.

“These awards showcase the work of our public health partners and the collaboration taking place with local governments, businesses and the overall community,” said HHSA Director Nick Macchione. “These individuals and organizations dedicate their time and talent to advance public health and create healthy, safe and thriving individuals and communities.”

The local winner in the North Coastal Region was Healthy Day Partners.

Healthy Day Partners work with the Encinitas School District and are dedicated to engaging students through school gardens, wellness and environmental education in an effort to empower them to make responsible decisions about their health. Efforts include partnering with grocery store Jimbo’s Naturally to provide healthy snacks for students, a composting program and a resource conservation program, which has led to an 80 percent reduction in lunchtime waste.

To see a full list of the 2014 Live Well San Diego Public Health Champion Awards recipients click here: http://bit.ly/1gStMvC.

—County News Center


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here