MOUNT VERNON — On Friday, the Knox County Health Department recognized its community health partners as part of National Public Health Week. National Public Health Week falls on the first full week in April.
At its fourth annual partner in public health breakfast, awards were presented to representatives of Knox Community Hospital, the Knox County Fair Board, the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon and WMVO Radio.
“The Knox County Health Department could not provide [its] services ... without collaborating with others for time or resources,” said Health Commissioner Dennis Murray.
This year’s recipients, said Murray, are “true partners in public health.”
Jackie Fletcher presented the first award to Mary Day, infectious control nurse at KCH.
“Usually when Mary and I are having any conversation, it’s about long-worded, kind of nasty-sounding stuff,” said Fletcher with a smile. “It’s nice to have her here today to talk about more pleasant things.”
Fletcher said Day had a strong collaboration with the health department, and cited several instances of Day working closely with the department.
“Mary is a delight to work with,” said Fletcher.
“It’s always been a pleasure to work with Jackie and the health department,” said Day after accepting her award.
Terri Hillier presented the next award to Bruce Gregg of the Knox County Fair Board. Saying that the largest health concern at the fairgrounds were the food vendors, Hilliar said the fair board was always cooperative with the health department.
“No matter who’s in charge, they delegate, we can work with any one of the members, and they’re very responsive,” said Hillier.
“I just want to thank you for all the cooperation and hard work you do to make our fair safe,” said Gregg as he accepted the award.
Pam Palm presented an award to Jesse Marlow of the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon. Palm noted that the Kiwanis Club has donated to various causes and programs initiated by the health department.
“One group that has consistently been there to help us over the years is the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon,” said Palm, adding that the group “puts their money where their mouth is” in addition to sometimes volunteering in order to aid the department.
Murray recognized the final two recipients, from WMVO Radio, who were not able to attend the breakfast. Murray said that talk show host Dave Bevington had allowed members of the health department to use his radio show as a kind of public service announcement medium when certain public health issues have affected the local community.
“We hope to continue working with Dave,” said Murray.
Murray said that Adam Taylor had also allowed health department representatives to speak on his radio show about various public health policies in the county. Taylor, said Murray, made his guests and callers very comfortable on the show.