Sue Neal (left), executive director of Battle Ground Health Care (BGHC) and Sue Doyle, Rehabilitation Services and Chronic Pain Program Coordinator for BGHC, stand in front of BGHC’s new rehab room in January. Together, they have been at the helm of free health services in the community for the past seven years. Last week Neal was recognized by the county for her efforts.
Last week the Clark County Board of Health announced winners and honorable mentions for the 2017 Public Health Community Awards.
Among the honorable mentions is Sue Neal, executive director of Battle Ground HealthCare.
Neal was nominated for “using leadership, advocacy, and compassion to ensure healthcare for the medically underserved in Battle Ground,” the county stated in their announcement.
Battle Ground HealthCare has continually expanded since opening its doors in 2009; it now offers rehab services, medical, dental and mental health options for chronic conditions among people ages 18 to 65.
Listed below are the winners and other honorable mentions.
Winners
Marilyn Johnson
(individual award)
“Marilyn Johnson's long, distinguished nursing career has included supervising cancer care at Southwest Washington Medical Center's oncology department,” the announcement stated. “After retiring, she became certified as a parish nurse and ran a program at her church, combining medical and spiritual care. Today, she serves as community coordinator for Faith Community Nursing/Health Ministries NW. In addition to addressing the needs of various community populations, she has taught a program on living well with chronic disease.”
Rose Village Community Health Workers (organization award)
“The Rose Village Community Health Workers are trusted members of Vancouver's Rose Village neighborhood who understand the strengths, challenges, cultures and life experiences of this community,” the announcement stated. “The team focuses on community building activities, promoting healthy eating and active living, and advocating for health equity at the individual, community and policy levels. Team members connect community members to resources, provide social and health promotion opportunities in local schools and community centers and advocate for community needs with health system and government leaders.”
Honorable mentions
Bike Clark County
For “promoting bicycle access, education, safety and the enjoyment of cycling to children and adults in Clark County.”
Daybreak Youth Services
For “serving youth with addiction and mental health issues and helping them return to school, families and work.”
ESD112 Early Childhood Education Assistance Program
For “promoting healthy children in Southwest Washington through developmental screening and regular well-child checkups.”
Sue Hoeffner
For “strengthening partnerships between faith organizations and schools to address community health issues.”
Memorial Urgent Care Nurses
For “partnering with Public Health to prevent sexually transmitted diseases by ensuring services for all, including the community's most marginalized.”
Charles Mitchell
For “advancing social justice for low-income clients by ensuring their access to affordable, quality healthcare.”
Sue Neal
For “using leadership, advocacy, and compassion to ensure healthcare for the medically underserved in Battle Ground.”
St Luke's/San Lucas Episcopal Church
For “addressing problems of poverty and homelessness through volunteer outreach and compassion for all people.”
