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CPHA Awards
2024

Congratulations to the Colorado Public Health Association's 2024 Award Winners!

Award for Excellence in Policy & Advocacy: 

The Award for Excellence in Policy and Advocacy is presented to an individual or entity who has made a significant contribution in advancing health equity by improving socio-political determinants of health through organizational, local, state, and national policy and advocacy. Awardees can be external to CPHA and the public health industry.

 

This award was established in 1988 and is presented to a person or organization for playing a critical role in advocating for policies that support the advancement of public health at either the local, state or national levels

 

Winner: Dr. Regan Stiegmann

I am honored to write this award nomination for Dr. Regan Stiegmann (a proud Colorado Native) for the CPHA 2024 Award for Excellence in Policy and Advocacy. Since departing Active Duty US Air Force (USAF) service in 2022 and starting her new life as a combat disabled Veteran, Dr. Stiegmann has made it a point to continue working and advocating tirelessly for our Warfighters and Veterans in the name of preventive/lifestyle medicine (PM/LM), health equity, and human performance optimization. During her 11 years of service, including a Middle East deployment, Dr. Stiegmann proved time and again to be one of the most robust change agents that the US military enterprise has seen in generations. She has forged incredible international PM/LM innovations in myriad capacities that have influenced hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide, revectoring military public health culture from education to clinical care, to policy change. While stationed in Colorado at the USAF Academy, she founded and led the first-ever DOD Lifestyle/Performance Medicine clinic which has grown to 55+ similar DOD clinics worldwide. Fielding strategic opportunities to collaborate with Surgeon Generals, she has written DOD military policies/guidelines to better address health equity discrepancies that exist within the DOD, such as the DOD/USSF’s strategic Holistic Health Assessment protocol. She integrated PM/LM core tenets into various multi-million-dollar top-down policies, protocols, and process changes which have positively rippled throughout the joint services and military families in an enterprise-wide capacity while simultaneously improving care for female service members and LGBTQAI+ populations alike. Since 2014, Dr. Stiegmann has intentionally dedicated her professional efforts toward closing the notably wide gender and military health equity gaps that service members face. In 2023, she was showcased at the USAF Women’s-Initiative-Program-TORCH-Athena-Rally symposium where she curated PM/LM panels to guide over 2,000 female Warfighters toward achieving smarter health outcomes through how they engage in their own health care. In 2024, she was invited to continue building sustainable DOD solutions for achieving military health equity at the Joint Women’s Leadership Summit in Washington DC, the largest worldwide gathering (1,400+ participants). Dr. Stiegmann is also a dedicated Colorado educator and a true academic force to be reckoned with, teaching (read: inspiring) thousands of undergraduate (USAF Academy), medical students (RVUCOM-CO/UT), and residents (Aurora HCA/HealthONE) across the Mountain West in digital health, health policy/economics/equity and preventive/lifestyle medicine. With over 35 professional medical publications and over 175 professional speaking engagements worldwide, she is one of the youngest, most captivating world leaders and a true subject matter expert in the fields of PM/LM, Digital Health, and public health.​​

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Award for Innovation in Public Health:

The Award for Innovation in Public Health is presented to an individual, team or organization who has developed an innovative and translatable solution  to a significant public health challenge.  This may include, but is not limited to, technology innovation, public health practice approach, research project, innovative partnerships. 

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This award was established in 1972 in recognition of Colorado Board of Health member P.W. Jacoe for his devotion to duty, his excellence of work, his leadership and contributions to public health.

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Winner: Data & Surveillance Unit (DSU) Team ( Received 5 nominations)
Graham Hardt and Tara C. Trujillo – Statistical Analysts ; Annika Jones, MPH and Anna Dickard, MPH – Surveillance Epidemiologists ; Jason Wright, MD, MPH – DSU Supervisor

Nomination 1: The Colorado Kindergarten MMR Equity Report, designed by the Data & Surveillance Unit (DSU) Team at CDPHE, is a vital tool created in response to the alarming decline in MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunization rates among kindergarten students following the COVID-19 pandemic. This innovative MMR Equity Report will significantly advance public health by providing transparent, detailed analysis of school immunization rates, highlighting disparities, and identifying areas requiring targeted interventions. The DSU Team's creation of the MMR Equity Report is a cornerstone in building a robust public health equity and data transparency movement in Colorado. The report’s user-friendly interface, equipped with interactive elements and data visualizations, makes complex data understandable to a broad and diverse audience. This accessibility fosters a well-informed public health community capable of making data-driven decisions. By making this data accessible to both internal and external partners, the DSU Team empowers stakeholders to craft high-quality, more equitable strategies for improving school immunization rates across the state. In my 20+ years as a school nurse with the Denver Public School district, responsible for collecting and reporting student immunization data, the MMR Equity Report would have been a game-changer. The tool's capability to filter data by region, county, school district, school, and demographic factors would have enabled me to identify immunization gaps more efficiently. The integration of social determinants of health data would have provided a deeper understanding of the barriers to immunization, allowing for more targeted and effective interventions. The DSU Team’s Kindergarten MMR Equity Report is a testament to their ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and their significant contributions and lasting impact to public health in Colorado. This tool’s ability to provide actionable insights and promote equitable health strategies exemplifies the principles of health equity and community well-being. I wholeheartedly nominate the DSU Team for a 2024 Colorado Public Health Association Award, recognizing their outstanding achievements in advancing public health through innovation, education, and equity.

Nomination 2: The Data & Surveillance Unit (DSU) Team at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has demonstrated exemplary innovation and dedication in developing the Colorado Kindergarten MMR Equity Report. This initiative addresses the significant decline in MMR immunization coverage among kindergarten students we are seeing in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. The project embodies the values and vision of CPHA, aiming for optimal health for all Coloradans through an innovative, data-driven approach to health equity. This first of its kind equity report is distributed through a user-friendly dashboard designed to provide detailed analysis and visualization of MMR immunization rates among kindergarten students across ten regions in Colorado. This tool highlights disparities and facilitates targeted interventions, educating the public health community through a health equity lens.

Nomination 3: The Data & Surveillance Unit (DSU) Team at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has demonstrated exemplary innovation and dedication in developing the Colorado Kindergarten MMR Equity Report. This initiative addresses the significant decline in MMR immunization coverage among kindergarten students we are seeing in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. The project embodies the values and vision of CPHA, aiming for optimal health for all Coloradans through an innovative, data-driven approach to health equity. This first of its kind equity report is distributed through a user-friendly dashboard designed to provide detailed analysis and visualization of MMR immunization rates among kindergarten students across ten regions in Colorado. This tool highlights disparities and facilitates targeted interventions, educating the public health community through a health equity lens. Measure 1: Contributions to Building a Public Health Movement in Colorado 1. The dashboard employs advanced data visualization techniques, making complex data accessible to a broad audience. Its interactive elements allow users to filter data by various demographics and social determinants of health, enabling more informed and equitable public health strategies. 2. By integrating equity metrics into mobile public health vaccine clinic location planning, the DSU Team ensures that interventions are targeted where they are needed most. This approach has facilitated collaboration among regional coordinators, disproportionately affected population liaisons, and local public health agencies, fostering a more coordinated and equitable public health response. Measure 2: Measurable and Lasting Contributions to Public Health 1. The report will be instrumental in guiding policymakers to identify regions with lower immunization rates and allocate resources effectively. It aids in planning immunization programs that address both health disparities and social determinants of health, ensuring a lasting impact on community health. 2. The transparency of the report will raise awareness about immunization disparities and the importance of vaccinations among school communities and the general public. It encourages stakeholders to engage with the data and make informed decisions, fostering a more health-literate population. 3. The DSU Team is committed to refining and expanding the dashboard's capabilities. Future improvements include multilingual options, enhanced accessibility, and annual data updates. This ongoing commitment ensures the dashboard remains a relevant and valuable tool for public health in Colorado. The Data & Surveillance Unit's innovative approach to the Colorado Kindergarten MMR Equity Report and their commitment to advancing health equity has significantly contributed to building a public health movement in Colorado. This nomination reflects the DSU Team's alignment with CPHA’s mission and vision. Thank you!​

Nomination 4: The Data & Surveillance Unit (DSU) team at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has demonstrated exemplary innovation and dedication in developing the Colorado Kindergarten MMR Equity Report. This initiative addresses the significant decline in MMR immunization coverage among kindergarten students post-COVID-19 pandemic. The project embodies the values and vision of CPHA, aiming for optimal health for all Coloradans through an innovative, data-driven approach. This first of its kind equity report is distributed through a user-friendly dashboard designed to provide detailed analysis and visualization of MMR immunization rates among kindergarten students across ten regions in Colorado. This tool highlights disparities and facilitates targeted interventions, aligning with CPHA's mission to galvanize and educate the public health community. 1. The dashboard employs advanced data visualization techniques, making complex data accessible to a broad audience. Its interactive elements allow users to filter data by various demographics and social determinants of health, enabling more informed and equitable public health strategies. 2. By integrating equity metrics into mobile public health vaccine clinic location planning, the DSU team ensures that interventions are targeted where they are needed most. This approach has facilitated collaboration among regional coordinators, disproportionately affected population liaisons, and local public health agencies, fostering a more coordinated and equitable public health response. 3. The report will be instrumental in guiding policymakers to identify regions with lower immunization rates and allocate resources effectively. It aids in planning immunization programs that address both health disparities and social determinants of health, ensuring a lasting impact on community health. 4. The transparency of the report will raise awareness about immunization disparities and the importance of vaccinations among school communities and the general public. It encourages stakeholders to engage with the data and make informed decisions, fostering a more health-literate population. 5. The DSU team is committed to refining and expanding the dashboard's capabilities. Future improvements include multilingual options, enhanced accessibility, and annual data updates. This ongoing commitment ensures the dashboard remains a relevant and valuable tool for public health in Colorado. The Data & Surveillance Unit's Colorado Kindergarten MMR Equity Report has significantly contributed to building a public health movement in Colorado, with a measurable and lasting impact on community health and equity. This nomination reflects this team's alignment with CPHA’s mission and vision, showcasing their exceptional contributions to advancing health equity. Their innovative approach and commitment make them extremely deserving of any relevant 2024 CPHA Award, including the Award for Innovation in Public Health.

Nomination 5: The Data & Surveillance Unit (DSU) Team at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has demonstrated exemplary innovation and dedication in developing the Colorado Kindergarten MMR Equity Report. This initiative addresses the significant decline in MMR immunization coverage among kindergarten students we are seeing in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. The project embodies the values and vision of CPHA, aiming for optimal health for all Coloradans through an innovative, data-driven approach to health equity. This first of its kind equity report is distributed through a user-friendly dashboard designed to provide detailed analysis and visualization of MMR immunization rates among kindergarten students across ten regions in Colorado. This tool highlights disparities and facilitates targeted interventions, educating the public health community through a health equity lens. The Data & Surveillance Unit's innovative approach to the Colorado Kindergarten MMR Equity Report and their commitment to advancing health equity has significantly contributed to building a public health movement in Colorado. This nomination reflects the DSU Team's alignment with CPHA’s mission and vision, making them extremely deserving of the 2024 CPHA Award for Innovation in Public Health. Thank you for considering the DSU Team for this nomination.

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Graham Hardt
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Tara C. Trujillo
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Annika Jones, MPH
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Annie Dickard, MPH
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Jason Wright, MD, MPH

Public Health Emerging Leader Award

The Public Health Emerging Leader Award is presented to an individual with 5 years or less experience working and/or in school for a public health profession.  This individual has demonstrated outstanding initiative and leadership ability in the public health community. 

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Winner: Hridith Sudev

Hridith Sudev is a remarkable individual with a diverse background and impressive achievements. Born in India and raised in Oman, he's a public health scientist, writer, poet, and community organizer. As a queer, biracial, neurodivergent third-culture immigrant in a border-town, he witnessed the Yemen War's impact and environmental exploitation firsthand. At just 12, Sudev founded Project GreenOman, mobilizing youth for environmental health, justice, and equity. The group's efforts influenced major policy changes in Oman and inspired similar organizations in other countries, leading to the formation of Project Greenworld International. His work was recognized at the 2012 Rio+20 UNCSD, and in 2015, he represented the Indian diaspora in Oman at India's Republic Day Parade, meeting President Obama. Moving to Denver in 2018, Sudev earned degrees in Biology and Public Policy from the University of Denver, and a Master of Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. He began helping immigrants access healthcare and housing, eventually founding Colectivo de Paz (CDP), a 501C3 non-profit building self-sufficiency through advocacy and services for Denver's underserved communities. CDP runs several impactful programs, including the award-winning Community Aid & Resource Exchange (CARE). As of January 2024, they've prevented 109 overdoses and distribute an average of 8,000 meals monthly to Denver's unhoused communities. CDP also offers resource navigation services, youth programs, and engages in legislative advocacy. In his day job, Sudev is a Senior Program Manager at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, overseeing the Park Avenue Transitional Housing Program. Under his leadership, the program has achieved the highest rehousing rate of any transitional housing program in Colorado and is studied as a successful case study for the 'Housing-First' approach to mitigating homelessness. Sudev is also a best-selling published poet, a national speaker, and a Special Advisor to the Mayor of Denver on the Newcomers Advisory Council. His work demonstrates a commitment to creating a more equitable world through direct action, advocacy, and community empowerment.

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Lifetime Distinguished Public Health Service Award

The Lifetime Distinguished Public Health Service Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional public health leadership, made significant and lasting contributions to public health, and has taken an essential role in mentoring other public health professionals throughout their career (currently working or retired).  

 

This Award was inspired by the following retired CPHA Awards: 
-The Roy Cleere Distinguished Service Award (est. 1974) who was the director of the Colorado Department of Health for 38 years. 
-The Sabin Award (est. 1947) given for achievement in the public health field, in recognition of the outstanding leadership of Dr. Florence Sabin in the promotion of better public health in Colorado.
-The John Muth Award, named in honor of Dr. Muth, who served as CPHA President 1983-1984 and El Paso County Department of Health Director as an award is given to a member of CPHA who has made an outstanding contribution to the Association.

 

Winner: Mondi Mason

Dear Colorado Public Health Association Award Selection Committee, I am honored to nominate Dr. Mondi Mason for the 2024 Colorado Public Health Association Award for Innovation in Public Health. With over 30 years of dedicated service, Dr. Mason has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and impact in public health. Dr. Mason is the visionary behind the nation’s first dual Community Health Worker Apprenticeship/AmeriCorps program, launched in 2022. This initiative integrates AmeriCorps service benefits with hands-on training for Community Health Workers (CHWs). Participants gain valuable experience while serving marginalized communities in Denver. The program's success is evident in its 80% job placement rate for graduates, and its innovative model is being considered for replication by other cities. Dr. Mason secured an $8 million grant from the CDC to address systemic challenges in Denver’s public health workforce. This funding has diversified the workforce, enhanced cross-training, and supported community health initiatives targeting underserved populations. She established a job series for Environmental Public Health Technicians within Denver, improving departmental agility in health emergencies. Her cross-training efforts exemplify a commitment to building a connected and agile workforce. Additionally, Dr. Mason leads the Workforce Engagement Development Team (WEDT), focusing on staff development and workplace satisfaction. She also spearheads the Academic Health Department, fostering collaborations with the Colorado School of Public Health and local agencies, enriching opportunities for emerging leaders. Dr. Mason’s transformative mentorship inspires AmeriCorps members to pursue advanced education and careers in public health. Her leadership fosters an environment where emerging professionals feel supported and motivated to tackle complex challenges. Her ability to nurture talent is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication. Dr. Mondi Mason embodies the essence of the Award for Innovation in Public Health through her visionary leadership and dedication to developing impactful solutions. Her innovative programs make her a deserving candidate for this award. Thank you for considering this nomination.

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Values in Action Award

The Award for Values in Action recognizes an individual or organization whose work exemplifies CPHA’s core values: Advocacy, Connectedness, Health Equity, Racial Justice, and Service.  This work is focused on serving marginalized people, such as, but not limited to, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

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Winner: Disproportionately Affected Population Liaison (DAPL) team

It is with immense pride and respect that I nominate the Disproportionately Affected Population Liaison (DAPL) team at CDPHE for a 2024 Colorado Public Health Association (CPHA) Award. The DAPL team, through their unwavering dedication and exceptional public health expertise, has made monumental strides in addressing health equity gaps across Colorado's diverse communities. The DAPL team, led by DAPL Supervisor, Kari Perry, has been a cornerstone in the movement towards health equity within Colorado. Over the past two years, their focused outreach and advocacy efforts have resulted in profound impacts on both rural and non-rural communities. Each member of the team—Suzana Deng (Black or African American DAPL), Amelia Cavazos (Hispanic or Latino/a/x DAPL), Josie Brown (People Living With Disability DAPL), G Inguanta (LGBTQ+ DAPL), and Naomi Levison (People Experiencing Homelessness DAPL)—brings specialized public health expertise and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by their respective populations. • The DAPL team has been vital in breaking down barriers and building trust within communities historically marginalized by systemic inequities. Their presence and participation at mobile public health clinics and community events have not only improved access to health services but have also fostered an environment where communities feel seen, heard, and valued by public health institutions. • The DAPL team’s advocacy for resource allocation has been instrumental in establishing funding for several health programs tailored to the needs of these communities, significantly improving their health metrics. • Furthermore, the DAPL team has been instrumental in gathering and utilizing community feedback to inform public health policies and initiatives. The trust the DAPL team has built within these communities cannot be overstated. By serving as trusted sources of health information, they have navigated through decades of mistrust towards government health agencies. This has opened doors for ongoing and future public health initiatives, ensuring that these communities will continue to benefit from equitable health services. In summary, the DAPL team embodies the principles of the CPHA’s mission, making exceptional contributions to public health through their dedicated and impactful work. Their efforts not only address immediate health disparities but also lay the groundwork for lasting change in public health equity. It is with great honor that I nominate the Disproportionately Affected Population Liaison team for a 2024 CPHA Award, confident that their outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to health equity merit the highest recognition.

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Suzana Deng
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Josie Brown
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Naomi Levison
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G Inguanta
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Amelia Cavazos
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Kari Perry

Award for Excellence in Community Partnership

(for a non-public health individual or entity)

The Award for Excellence in Community Partnership is given to a non-public health individual or entity that has provided outstanding contributions that improve the heath of the community through public health partnerships and/or collaboration.  

 

 This award commemorates Dr. Florence Sabin, a Colorado native, who helped pave the way for women in science and was an outstanding leader in the promotion of public health in Colorado.

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Winner: Luke Adams

Luke is the Outreach Consultant with the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind (DHHDB). Over the las year, Luke has been an exceptional partner to CDPHE and our efforts to expand our outreach to and engagement with DHHDB communities. With his guidance and support, CDPHE tabled at the Rural Deaf Outreach Event in Pueblo last October, participated in a language deprivation workshop at the Rocky Mountain Deaf School in January, tabled at the Rocky Mountain Deaf Festival in April, and we will be at the Colorado Rapids Deaf Awareness Night in October. Luke has provided a variety of trainings to CDPHE staff ranging from accessibility and ADA rights to cultural affirmation and linguistic accessibility, while also bridging connections to other Deaf organizations such as Deaf Overcoming Violence through Empowerment (DOVE), Colorado Association for the Deaf, The Independence Center, Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, and Denver Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Furthermore, he has been an integral partner to CDPHE's first Deaf Equity Training Program, helping us identify a local Deaf ASL instructor, sharing about his personal and professional experiences on a panel presentation to staff from across eight divisions, and supporting staff in expanding their services and programs to more effectively reach DHHDB communities across Colorado, including with the use of rural auxiliary services. Luke's commitment to inclusivity is evident in his work with various other groups as well. He successfully chairs quarterly meetings with the Advocacy Coalition for Equality (ACE), an organizational resource network focusing on advancing resources for individuals who are DHHDB through the collaboration of over a dozen organizations. He also supports the DeafBlind Advisory Council, and has been an active member of the Community Inclusion in Colorado workgroup, which provides critical guidance on inclusive messaging for communicable diseases such as COVID and Avian Flu. Even though Luke does not work in public health, through all of his strong partnerships, he has made tremendous contributions to educate and develop the Colorado public health community as advocates for Deaf equity and work towards optimal health for all Coloradans. In addition to his partnership support to improve accessibility to public health programs and services for DHHDB communities, Luke has also been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. After gaining national recognition as the first Deaf contestant on The Amazing Race, competing three times alongside his hearing mother, Margie, and later participating in two All-Star seasons, Luke served as the first gay man who is also Deaf to be a grand marshal at a PrideFest in the US at the Denver Pride in 2014. Attached are letters of support and photos of Luke Presenting to the community and partner organizations.

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Lillian Wald Award: 

Lillian D. Wald (1867–1940) was a nurse, social worker, public health official, teacher, author, editor, publisher, women’s rights activist, and the founder of American community nursing. Her unselfish devotion to humanity is recognized around the world and her visionary programs have been widely copied everywhere.

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The Lillian Wald Award is given to a public health nurse who demonstrates leadership skills among peers and community; has practiced a minimum of 5 years; and is creative, resourceful and innovative in addressing public health concerns in the community. This person is caring in relationships with colleagues and clients, and initiates, implements and evaluates public health interventions that focus on health promotion and disease prevention, and shares public health knowledge with colleagues and the community.

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Winner: Kimberly Newcom, RN

It is with great pleasure I nominate Kimberly Newcom, RN for the Lillian Wald Award and the Exemplary Frontier Public Health Nurse Award. Kim serves Colorado as the immunization coordinator for rural/frontier Teller County for the past 4 years and has over 20 years of nursing experience. She is a dedicated nurse and team member who began her work in public health volunteering to help with mass Covid immunization PODs during the Covid emergency crisis and then stuck around! Her cherished relationships in the local community have built and mended bridges that Covid once tore down. Kim, who grew up in Teller County, has remained closely connected to county leaders, school nurses, business members and dear friends that greatly assist the entire Public Health team to connect and better serve the county. Everyone loves Kim! Mothers seek out Kim for their childhood immunizations because they trust her. She selflessly volunteers to assist school nurses with school physical night and encourages other nurses to also volunteer. As county immunization coordinator, she leveraged $20K grant money to upgrade languishing immunization refrigerators and keep the county providing top immunization services. She has spent hundreds of hours providing her patients with ombudsman help when the private vaccine contractor sent bills in error, rather than sending frustrated customers back to the company with no resolution. Kim is first out to travel across the county over rugged mountain passes in inclement weather to tackle vaccine temperature excursions twice this year. She devoted hours to the tedious follow-up to get vaccine back in service at the expense of her own family time. Though this experience would be a huge inconvenience to most, she brags that she can’t believe how beautiful the drive is and how blessed she is to be able to travel the beautiful route, even in a storm. Anyone else would be white knuckled and afraid, but not Kim! She sees the silver lining in every event and adventure. In addition to immunization, her public health nursing skills extend to all operational facets of the office. She fills in for communicable disease management, women’s health, reproductive health, animal bites, bat management for rabies, and provides community education for all these programs. She represents public health nursing at local events such as the Farmer’s Market, Senior Expo, and many other community events. It is not unusual for staff to wander into her cubical area to just seek her opinion on life events, because she is such a positive person with uplifting advice, and she cares! Her smile is contagious, her advice sound, her ideas positive, her demeaner kind, and her position always approachable and empathetic, no matter the topic. Kim is a mother, wife, friend, mentor, leader, role-model and the most amazing public health nurse! She is well-deserving of this award.

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​​​​​​​Exemplary Frontier Public Health Nurse Award:

Recognized a Public Health Nurse who has demonstrated exemplary service in a local public health agency located in a Colorado rural/frontier community.

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Winner: Mona Lovato

Mona Lovato RN, is an extraordinary person, nurse and Public Health Director. She is highly skilled, extremely knowledgeable, and a compassionate team player who consistently displays and promotes the highest ethical standards. She effectively demonstrates the true meaning of Public Health partnership and advocacy. She has worked in the Public Health Sector for over 25 years. During her time as a Nurse, she has completed many hours of training and has created meaningful relationships with employees, employers and clients. Mrs. Lovato has worked hard to grow as a professional Public Health Director while also supporting the growth and knowledge of those around her. During Mrs. Lovato's time with us, she has focused heavily on work culture, staff resilience, quality of care, staffing models, VFC program rebuilds, and Covid-19. Just to name a few. Mrs. Lovato has faced many challenges with her position including but not limited to restarting the County’s Vaccine for Children’s Program; extending the Maternal Child Health Program; improving the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Program and implementing Covid-19 initiatives all within in a restricted/limited budget. She has been a pillar of support for the Community and the County. We have attached a formal nomination letter for your review and consideration. Thank you!​​​​​​

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