Nick Lyon, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director; Rep. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville; Lisa Stefanovsky, Ottawa County Department of Public Health administrative health officer; Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive; and Rep. Daniela Garcia, R-Holland.

The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership, which consists of 10 public health organizations in Michigan, awarded the Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) the 2018 Jean Chabut Health Policy Champion award for achieving the Project Public Health Ready (PPHR) national recognition. The Jean Chabut Health Policy Champion award showcases the significant accomplishments of individuals or organizations in the policy arena on the local or state level to improve the health and safety of their communities.

“These individuals and organizations have gone above and beyond to improve Michigander’s health and safety,” said Nick Lyon, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director. “Much of a person’s overall health is determined outside of a doctor’s office, and these award winners have provided opportunities for our state’s citizens to have healthier lives and communities.”

To achieve the PPHR national recognition, the OCDPH had to demonstrate preparedness and response capability by meeting a comprehensive set of nationally-recognized standards. PPHR standards focus on three main goals: all-hazards planning, workforce development and demonstrating readiness through exercises and real events, and are aligned with federal government requirements and national best practices. Ottawa County joins more than 400 agencies across the country that have achieved PPHR recognition since 2004.

“I was very proud to accept this honor on behalf of our amazing public health team. We strive for excellence in all that we do,” said Lisa Stefanovsky, OCDPH administrative health officer.

For more information on Project Public Health Ready, visit http://www.naccho.org/PPHR.