FONDA — Montgomery County Legislature recognized the County’s Public Health Department for their efforts in advocating for a healthier community. The 13 employees received a proclamation highlighting their dedication and commitment to public health during the Legislature’s meeting Tuesday.
District 6 Legislator John Duchessi presented the proclamation to public health department.
“The employees in the county’s public health department serve approximately 49,000 residents and actively seek ways to broaden their reach through a variety of programs, clinics and other services such as early intervention, immunizations, car seat distribution, education,” Duchessi stated from the proclamation. “Whereas the department servers as an advocate for the community’s health and employees are dedicated to ensuring public and fellow county employees are informed on numerous topics they may affect their physical or mental well being.”
Montgomery County Public/Mental Health Director Sara Boerenko said it’s the employees who are to thank for the work done within the public health department.
“I couldn’t run our department without the work of these [employees] and what they do everyday, as well as the assistance of some of our other departments,” Boerenko said. “I think the greatest group of people that deserve our thanks is our families. Most of us are on-call 24 hours a day and sometimes that interferes with family birthday parties, finding a babysitter, various things that we put on hold because of our job duties and without the love and support of them we wouldn’t be able to do this.”
Montgomery County Executive Matt Ossenfort agreed.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with our public health team,” Ossenfort said. “They are on the front line when it comes to providing critical services for county residents. I applaud their passion and commitment to the community.”
Some of the work done by the department and the employees include working with infants, senior citizens, school districts, county residents along with educating and advocating for healthier lifestyles through clinics, programs and social media.
Assistant Public Health Director Laurel Headwell said the employees do more than just one job.
“Employees wear many hats, are crossed-trained and can fill in anywhere,” Headwell said. “They are dedicated to public health.”
