LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 12, 2020) – The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) hosted a COVID-19 Partner Forum on April 7, 2022 during National Public Health Week and recognized key community partners for their contributions to local pandemic response over the past two years. Several were honored by SMCHD with Public Health Awards. The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County issued Commendations to each recipient, and the General Assembly of Maryland represented by Delegate Brian Crosby and Senator Jack Bailey also issued Commendations for their service.
“Responding to this pandemic has truly been a team effort involving many partners throughout our community and outside the county. Our health department team is extremely grateful to these partners for their contributions and service. Their support allowed us to mobilize testing and vaccine access for our community members, get information and resources out to our residents, and blunt the negative impact of this pandemic,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Our COVID-19 response demonstrates how teamwork across sectors is necessary to support the health of an entire community.”
Partners recognized with Public Health Awards include:
Public Health Hero Award
- Jimmy Hayden, Vice President, Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department
- Gerald Gardiner, Emergency Manager, St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services
Humanitarian Award
- St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services
- Housing Authority of St. Mary’s County
- Three Oaks Center
- Allergy, Asthma, and Sinus Care
Resilience Award
- Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
- St. Mary’s County Public Schools
Innovation Award
- St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission
- WellCheck
Partnership Award
- St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
- St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services
Outstanding Service Award
- St. Mary’s County Department of Public Works & Transportation
- St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services
- St. Mary’s County Library
Braveheart Award
- Minority Outreach Coalition
- NAACP Branch #7025
- MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
Special Honoree in Retirement
- Dr. Rebecca Bridgett, former St. Mary’s County Administrator
SMCHD thanks all of the many organizations and individuals who have served during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the safety and well-being of our community members, and to expand access to a variety of pandemic-related services and information.
To view photos from this event, visit https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzKBFZ.
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