The Department of Public Health Science in the New Mexico State University College of Health and Social Services has recognized a local health organization and a health professional in honor of National Public Health Week.
The department has selected Mesilla Valley Community of Hope to receive the Community Organization Public Health Hero Award, and Jamie Michael, director of the Doña Ana County Health and Human Services Department, to receive the Community Leader Public Health Hero Award.
A celebration of Public Health Heroes was held Tuesday, April 11, at the NMSU College of Health and Social Services.
“Recognizing great work done by organizations and individuals for the health and well-being of the community is important. Through the Public Health Hero event, we not only recognize organizations and individuals for their contributions, but also expose our students to local-level public health professionals and agencies that engage in public health practice,” said Anup Amatya, head of the Department of Public Health Science at NMSU.
Amatya said this year, students selected the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope because it provides support for one of most vulnerable groups in the community – homeless or nearly homeless populations. Michael is being recognized for her 17 years of tireless effort in delivering public health services to the community, including aiding and improving the lives of those with mental illness.
“National Public Health Week serves to motivate and inspire students to enter the public health field and become a part of a growing movement to improve the health of our communities,” said Erika Hernandez, a public health master’s student and public health sciences instructor who helped organize this year’s Public Health Heroes celebration. “By recognizing local organizations and professionals, we provide students with exceptional role models to look up to and encourage them to aim for success.
For more information about National Public Health Week, please visit www.nphw.org or www.apha.org.
Information from NMSU