NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 27, 2018
CONTACT: Dana Kazel, Communications Manager
218-725-5049 (office) • 218-591-2219 (cell)
Special awards, activities planned for National Public Health Week
The role of Public Health nurses and educators is continually changing as they identify needs and work to help both individuals one-on-one, and larger groups to create community- or system-wide change. Many of these efforts focus on the broad goal of ensuring that all people have equal opportunity to be healthy. Likewise, much of the work done by Public Health employees is in partnership with other community agencies and professionals.
The week of April 2-8 is National Public Health Week. To highlight the work being done, and the dedicated agencies and individuals involved, St. Louis County commissioners will present their 2018 Public Health Achievement Awards during the Board meeting on April 3, at 9:30 a.m., in the Courthouse in Duluth.
Honorees this year include the Rutabaga Project, a joint effort started by the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) and the Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability. The Rutabaga Project focuses on improving access to local, healthy foods for children and families, and now involves numerous other community partners. Promoting use of the local farmers' market, planting a community garden, providing transportation to grocery stores, and starting a meal kit program are all examples of the Rutabaga Project's success, helping hundreds of people
The second honoree is Heather Hemphill Keely, founder of the Carousel Volunteer and Donation Center in Chisholm. Hemphill Keely has a reputation for identifying needs and then working tirelessly towards a solution. She started a summer lunch program for children who otherwise would miss a meal, and organizes a donation drive for school supplies and backpacks. More recent projects include collecting donations and packing emergency bags for survivors of domestic violence, and for children who are going into foster care.
Other activities planned for Public Health Week include various outreach efforts throughout the county. Public Health staff will be setting up tables throughout the week, providing information on nutrition, immunizations, child and teen checkups and overall health and well-being.
Monday, April 2:
Government Services Center, Duluth, 9-11 a.m.
St. Louis County Service Center, Ely, 9-11 a.m.
Super One North, Virginia, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, April 3:
St. Louis County Service Center, Ely, 9-11 a.m.
Northland Office Building, Virginia, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Government Services Center, Duluth, 1-3 p.m.
Hibbing Annex Building, Hibbing, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 4:
St. Louis County Service Center, Ely, 9-11 a.m.
Super One North, Virginia, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Government Services Center, Duluth, 1-3 p.m.
Thursday, April 5:
Government Services Center, Duluth, 9-11 a.m.
St. Louis County Service Center, Ely, 9-11 a.m.
Super One, Hibbing, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, April 6:
Government Services Center, Duluth, 9-11 a.m.
St. Louis County Service Center, Ely, 9-11 a.m.
Hibbing Annex Building, Hibbing, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
St. Louis County Public Health is a division of the Public Health and Human Services Department. Public Health nurses, nutritionists and other staff work through a variety of programs to help pregnant moms deliver healthy babies, and at-risk families to give young children a better chance at positive development. They also help elderly clients maintain independent living, and work with community partners to address factors - such as environment, income and education level, lifestyle and genetics - that affect health and well being. Public Health also plays a key role in disaster preparedness planning. To learn more, call (218) 725-5210 or visit stlouiscounytmn.gov/publichealth.
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