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On April 7, 2010 in conjunction with National Public Health Week, Clackamas County Health, Housing and Human Services will recognize recipients of the Public Health Heroes awards.
 
A public health hero is a person or group that promotes public health in their daily lives and embodies the following criteria:

-Public health efforts make a significant difference in the lives of the people served.
-Public health efforts build on individual and community strengths and assets.
-Efforts mobilize individuals & community groups to work in collaboration & cooperation.
-Efforts are unique, innovative, or fill an identified gap in a specific community.
-Characterized by social justice and a celebration of diversity.
 
Public health protects and improves the health of communities through education, promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and prevention of disease and injury. Public health works to prevent health problems before they occur.  Examples of public health that focuses on the entire community may include making  public parks accessible, launching a bike-helmet safety program, bringing fresh foods to schools, offering vaccination programs, providing preventive dental care for children or organizing after school programs.
 
Recipients of this year's Public Health Heroes awards are Eric Johnston, Director of Todos Juntos and Milwaukie High School's School-Based Health Center Planning Committee.
 
Eric Johnston founded Todos Juntos 10 years ago to provide services in English and Spanish for youth and families in Canby, Estacada, Molalla and Sandy.  Todos Juntos strengthens families to improve the health and wellness of communities.
 
The School Based Health Center Planning Committee is committed to their long-term vision for healthy, successful students in their district.  They have persevered to raise funds in the face of challenging economic times, embraced the challenge of creating collaborative relationships with others in their community to support their vision.