Health Education Awards
The 2003 Health Education Conference was held on March 27, 2003 at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC. Health Education Awards for the year 2002 were presented to four individuals in the following categories: Public Health Education Advocate, Health Education Customer Service, Outstanding New Health Educator of the Year, and Outstanding Health Educator of the Year.
The Health Education Advocate Award recognizes an individual who serves as an advocate for improving the health status of South Carolina through public health education. This year’s winner was Judy Tyl from the Region 4 Public Health Office. Judy is an advocate for physical activity and was named “volunteer extraordinaire” by the Sumter newspaper. She is a retired nurse and is so dedicated that she actually has a walking route named in her honor - the 2.2 mile Tyl Trail.
The Health Education Customer Service Award recognizes a DHEC Health Educator for providing outstanding customer service while meeting program objectives. This year’s winner was Nina Bradley of the Region 4 Public Health Office. Nina was cited for excellent rapport with her customers and outstanding education for individuals, groups and the Pee Dee community as a whole. She is a certified childbirth educator and has been successful in obtaining incentives through grant opportunities.
The Outstanding New Health Educator of the Year recognizes a new DHEC Health Educator who has made outstanding contributions toward public health education. David Bang of the Region 1 Public Health Office was this year’s winner, and was cited for his particular skills in assessment, evaluation and coordination. He is highly versed in current health education research and proven effective strategies. He actively participates with several community groups who hold him in very high esteem. David successfully developed a CHES approved workshop for SCAAHE on cultural issues in community development.
The Outstanding Health Educator of the Year Award recognizes a seasoned DHEC Health Educator who has made outstanding contributions toward public health Education. The nominee must exhibit exemplary performance in all areas of health education responsibility – assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, coordination, communication, and resourcing. This year’s winner, Barbara Grube of the Region 7 Public Health Office, is highly respected by her Region and community peers. The committee was most impressed with her involvement in so many different areas of health education, including cardiovascular health, maternal and child health, FSS, Hispanic health, injury prevention, teacher education, and dental health. She was selected to be part of her Region’s leadership team who attended the Management Academy of Public Health. She was also chosen as Charleston’s March of Dimes Volunteer of the Year. Barbara was recognized for her dedication, professionalism, and example of “walking the walk” of health education.
2003 Health Education Conference
From Left to Right: Barbara Grube, Lavell Thornton, Nina Bradley, David Bang
Barb Grube, Outstanding Health Educator of the Year, from Region 7 Public Health Office, Lavell Thornton, Director, Office of Public Health Education, Nina Bradley, Health Education Customer Service, from Region 4 Public Health Office, and David Bang, Outstanding New Health Educator of the Year, from Region 1 Public Health Office. Not pictured, Judy Tyl, Health Education Advocate, from Region 4 Public Health Office.