Catawba County Health Partners; Substance Abuse; Access to Care;

GOVERNOR’S TASK FORCE PRESENTS HEALTH PARTNERS CERTIFICATION AND AN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

The Catawba County Health Partners (CCHP) partnership received “official” certification and state recognition at the Healthy Carolinians Annual Conference on Tuesday, October 25, 2005. The NC Governor's Task Force (GTF) presented The Thad B. Wester Community of Excellence Award to the partnership. This award is designed to recognize a new partnership, which demonstrates outstanding strategies in health promotion, disease prevention, and recognizes the health needs of the disadvantaged. The Community of Excellence Award was established to recognize partnerships that share Dr. Thad B. Wester's early vision of community-based health change.

“It was quite an honor for the partnership to receive a state award for its early work in health promotions, chronic disease, and healthcare,” says Maria Reese, Healthy Carolinians Coordinator at Catawba County Public Health, “We are very fortunate to have such strong community support, leadership, and commitment from our members. Health Partners truly represents what a community partnership is all about and will certainly make a positive impact in healthier lives for our residents.”

An annual meeting called “Celebrating the Community Successes” will be held with a keynote speaker in spring of 2006. More details will be coming soon.

MANY THANKS TO THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS FOR ALL YOUR WORK AND DEDICATION!!!

Shown in the photo:
Back Row L-R: Battle Betts, Governor Task Force Member; Barbara Rush, ESMM Chair; Doug Urland, Health Director.
Front Row L-R: Rosemary King, Access to Care co-chair; Louise Ackerman, Substance Abuse co-chair; Maria Reese, Healthy Carolinians Coordinator; Missy Brayboy, Governor Task Force Member.