Erika Preuitt, District Manager, Department of Community Justice (DCJ) was presented with the Multnomah County Employee Award during the 12th Annual Public Health Heroes Celebration on April 3rd. Erika received the award in recognition of her passion and tireless commitment to making our local communities safer and healthier places to live. Erika has been instrumental is coordinating the County Rapid Response Team to gang-related incidents of violence. Most recently, Erika has become part of the leadership team for the Community Healing Initiative (CHI). CHI is a family and community centered collaboration designed to stop youth and gang violence in Multnomah County by addressing its root causes.
The ceremony was hosted by Lillian Shirley, Director, Multnomah County Health Department. Chair Cogen and the Board of Commissioners recognized the following 2012 Public Health Heroes:
The Josiah Hill Community Leadership Award: Jacki Gethner, international health advocate and founder of Women of a Certain Age program that supports and educates women over 50 with HIV/AIDS.
Community-Based Organization Award: Native American Youth & Family Center (NAYA), an organization that works to enrich the lives of Native youth and families through education, community involvement and culturally specific programming.
Kate Jeans-Gail Award for Young Heroes: Youth Advisory Council, a peer advocacy group, which focuses on promoting and improving the health and academic success of children and youth. Council members represent school-based health centers throughout Oregon.
Business Award: KUNP-TV Univision Portland, a local Spanish television station broadcasting in the Portland metropolitan area since 2003.
Multnomah County Employee Award: Erika Preuitt, District Manager for the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice.
Governor John Kitzhaber Public Health Leadership Award: Dr. Karen Gray, Superintendent of Parkrose School District.