PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County Public Health has named members of seven organizations Public Health Heroes.
The recipients were honored at the Board of Health’s April meeting for promoting community health.
Those honored are Amanda Milholland, Jefferson County Farmers Market; Brett Payseno, Safeway; Teresea Hoffman, Port Townsend Athletic Club; Laura Hulsey, QFC; Vicki Kirkpatrick, Jefferson County Public Health; Sarah Gai, YMCA; and Linda Atkins, The Food Co-op.
Hoffman received the Community Health Promotion award for her work to motivate people of all fitness levels to be more active.
The Food Co-op’s ABC Club and QFC’s “Healthy Kids Snack” policies both received the Business Merit award.
Both business’ policies allow each child to receive a free apple, banana, orange or carrot while shopping.
Safeway, YMCA and the farmers market also received the Business Merit award for programs relating to the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Safeway’s Fruits & Vegetables Prescription program offers SNAP participants a $10-off voucher for fruits and vegetables when using their state benefits.
The Y’s program includes classes with 30-minute walks, an hour of lessons focusing on nutrition, menu planning, and cooking tips.
The farmers market and Milholland received the Special Recognition award for implementation of programs such as “Gimme5” and “Fresh Bucks.”
Both encourage low-income shoppers to buy fresh produce at local farmers markets by using their SNAP or Women, Infants & Children benefits, the press release said.
Atkins also received the Special Recognition award for public health’s on-site sewage/operation and inspection programs.
“Linda is a knowledgeable and passionate public servant who works tirelessly to protect people’s health by protecting and ensuring the operational safety of on-site septic systems,” the press release said.
For more information, visit www.nphw.org.
