The Portage County Board of Health is inviting nominations for the annual “Friend of Public Health” award.
Eligible individuals will have demonstrated their genuine commitment to the health of Portage County residents and communities, through actions such as:
- Proven leadership or advocacy regarding issues that impact the health and safety of Portage County residents;
- Applied creative and innovative solutions to local public health problems;
- Developed nontraditional partnerships between disciplines or agencies to address public health issues;
- Increased awareness of public health issues through education and outreach activities.
Candidates must either reside or work in Portage County. Health Department employees, past employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to receive this award.
Nominations may be submitted as a brief (500-word maximum) summary describing the individual’s contributions to local public health.
Self-nominations are acceptable. Nominations must be received by February 20 and sent to DuWayne Porter, Health Commissioner, 705 Oakwood St., 2nd floor, Ravenna, OH 44266. Or by emailing dporter@portageco.com.
Awardees will be recognized at the Portage County Health Department Advisory Council meeting March 19 at the Ravenna Elks Club.
Last year’s recipient was Ralph Kletzien who spent over 31 years in health care administration and 14 years in nonprofit leadership and serviced on numerous boards and foundations.
He was recognized as a Friend of Public Health due to his tireless demonstration of leadership and advocacy to the health of Portage County residents as well as his innovative solutions to local public health problems.