WHITE PLAINS, NY — The Westchester County Board of Health wants to recognize volunteer efforts by adults and teenagers whose time and talents this past year made outstanding contributions to public health in Westchester. Nominations for the annual public health service awards are due by Feb. 7.
The Distinguished Public Health Service Award is presented annually to a person or community-based organization, whose efforts serve the public health of Westchester residents but who is not professionally engaged in public health work.
The J.R. Tesone Youth Public Health Service Award recognizes creative contributions to public health by young people. The award was created in 2014 in memory of J.R. Tesone, a Board of Health member with a lifelong commitment to Westchester children.
Both awards are announced and presented in April to spotlight National Public Health Week.
“The health department and the Board of Health rely on creative partnerships with the public to promote public health,” said Steven Nakashima, president of the Westchester County Board of Health. “By shining a spotlight on these success stories, we hope to inspire more people and organizations to join us in this work which is so vital to the health of our community.”
Last year, the youth public health service award went to Sarah Ilany, an Armonk teenager. Illany developed an Instagram app that created a supportive community for young people with Type 1 Diabetes. She also raised awareness and funds for diabetes research. The Distinguished Public Health Service Award went to the Westchester Library System for its health literacy initiatives.
To obtain a nomination form, go to the Westchester County Department of Health website at www.westchestergov.com/health.