Woman recognized as advocate for women’s rights by Jefferson Board of Health

Published 12:01 am Tuesday, July 21, 2015

PORT TOWNSEND — Ruth Merryman was honored with a certificate of appreciation at a recent Jefferson County Board of Health meeting.

Board Chairwoman Sheila Westerman commended Merryman for her “hard work and dedication as an advocate for women’s rights, particularly in the areas of reproductive health and economic advancement.”

Merryman served as the co-chairwoman of the Women Who Care Giving Circle, which was instrumental in funding Jefferson County Public Health’s Family Support Programs Assessment and the first Adverse Childhood

Events measurements in Jefferson County.

“Ruth is an important community advocate who encouraged the county to provide family planning services in the mid-’90s,” said Jean Baldwin, director of Jefferson County Public Health.

“She is a role model who inspires and energizes women and girls. Her service to the community has removed barriers and provided opportunities for many in Jefferson County and beyond.”

In addition to her work with public health, Merryman also founded Working Image, a clothing bank that provides business attire for low-income women in the community, and served as a mentor to Habitat for Humanity homeowners.