Thursday, April 15, 2010
Douglas County health heroes recognized

John Sowell
The News-Review

Two people and three groups were honored Wednesday as Douglas County health heroes, as part of National Public Health Week.

Peggy Kennerly, head of the county Health Department, made the presentations during the weekly Board of Commissioners meeting. Each of those honored - based on the theme "Building a Healthier America, One Community at a Time" - was presented with a plaque.

"Today, we'd like to recognize those people in our community who have made a commitment to building a healthier Douglas County, one community at a time," Kennerly said.

Douglas County Fire District No. 2 was recognized for taking action to help vaccinate local emergency medical service personnel, along with firefighters and police officers, during the recent swine flu outbreak.

Kirstin Carhart of the Douglas County Individual Practice Association and the Douglas County Prenatal Clinic was honored for her efforts to provide maternal care and to detect and prevent potential problems early in a woman's pregnancy. Carhart was recognized for her efforts in reducing barriers to prenatal care for all women in Douglas County, regardless of income or insurance status.

The Mercy Foundation was cited for its long history of working to improve the health of Douglas County residents and their communities. The foundation's Healthy Kids Outreach Program was recognized for its work to improve community health one school and one child at a time.

Dr. Charles McCart of Mercy Medical Center and the South River Medical Clinic in Winston was honored for his commitment to improving access to health care in Douglas County. He was also recognized for his leadership in reducing alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among county residents.

The fifth award was given to the student council at Joseph Lane Middle School. The council established a school recycling program, which Kennerly said promotes public and environmental health.

You can reach reporter John Sowell at 541-957-4209 or by e-mail at jsowell@nrtoday

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