Friday, April 11, 2003

Local Residents Receive Public Health Partnership Awards

At a reception held today to celebrate Public Health Week, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson presented Al Guiterrez and Kathy McMahon of Shore Memorial Hospital and Joy Lagrimas of Equity Communications with Public Health Partnership Awards. This annual award presentation recognizes community members who have significantly contributed to the Division of Public Health's mission by promoting healthy living and healthy communities.

Levinson praised today's award recipients and public health employees. "Each one of these individuals plays an essential role in improving public health in Atlantic County. We appreciate their contribution and commitment to serving our community," Levinson commented.

County Health Officer Tracye McArdle added, "Today's honorees have been valuable partners in our public health planning and education programs. By continuing to work together, we truly can make a difference in the health of our community."

Guiterrez, president and CEO of Shore Memorial Hospital, was honored for his strategic leadership in the recent smallpox vaccination program for hospital response teams. Shore Memorial had one of the highest volunteer rates in the state.

McMahon, who serves as infection control practitioner at Shore Memorial Hospital, led the hospital's education and recruitment campaign for smallpox vaccinations and supported Shore Memorial volunteers throughout the vaccination process.

Lagrimas has been instrumental in coordinating public education programs through the media for the Division of Public Health. With help from Lagrimas, the Division launched several media advertising campaigns last year that provided thousands of county residents with information on minority health issues and West Nile Virus.

For more information about Public Health Week, call the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at 609-645-5395.

County News