Annually, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors presents “Health Champion” awards to local community organizations on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, the Community Commission for Ventura County and the Partnership for a Healthy Ventura County.

The Partnership’s 2018 Health Champion Award recipients are recognized for their efforts toward achieving the vision of the Partnership: “that Ventura County be recognized as the healthiest county in the nation by 2030.” Each of the four HVC strategic committees selects one organization to highlight achievements in their specific focus area.

Please join us in recognizing the Partnership for a Healthy Ventura County “2018 Health Champions”. They are recognized for their exemplary work in addressing health disparities and the obesity crisis, and for their efforts toward making Ventura County the healthiest county in California.

2018 Health Champion Award Recipients:

Healthy at Work: Ventura County Behavioral Health Vince Franco and Maria Hernandez, staff members with the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department (VCBH), are recognized for their role in initiating the “Walk to Health Challenge,” that took place on Thursday mornings from May to September of 2017.  Behavioral Health staff walked from their office to the Ventura County Public Health Department (VCPH) building to meet Public Health staff around the fountain and then both teams would walk back together to Behavioral Health, located a half mile away. Wanting to encourage staff from both departments to think about their overall well-being and to provide motivation to incorporate regular exercise into the work day, Vince and Maria presented their vision of the “Walk to Health Challenge” to the VCBH and VCPH directors, and their idea was well received and strongly supported. Those who participated in the walk were empowered and encouraged by their co-workers and administrative leaders in their efforts toward achieving a healthier lifestyle.

Healthy in Your Neighborhood & at Home: Dr. Raymond F. LopezDr. Lopez has dedicated his professional life to improving the health of farm-workers. He is the Sr. Medical Director for La Clínica FreSalud sponsored by Reiter Affiliated Companies. With a focus on prevention, he is improving the health and well-being of the agricultural workers and families of Reiter Affiliated in not only the Oxnard Area but the Santa Maria and Watsonville areas as well. Dr. Lopez has been selected as one of a small group of health care professionals in the state of California to participate in the prestigious Champion Provider Fellowship Program, representing the Champions for Change movement through the California Department of Public Health and Ventura County Public Health. In 2017, he shared his message of health with hundreds of local children and residents at several community events including Fruit and Veggie Fest, La Colonia 5K Community Walk/Run, Food Day, and I “Heart” 5K Sembrando Salud Walk/Run. He is a well-respected and committed leader and partner in the work to reduce obesity, overweight, and related chronic conditions among children and adults in the Tri-County area and beyond.

Healthy at Healthcare: Westminster Free Clinic Thousand Oaks – Westminster Free Clinic was selected for their compassionate, comprehensive, and prevention-based model of health care. This private, non-profit community care center in East Ventura County, provides 100% free access to healthcare services and health supporting programs, for those who are of lower income, uninsured and have no other affordable options. They provide a “whole-person wellness model” of care with an understanding that the health environment must also change in order to have a positive impact on the physical and mental wellness of the patient. Services range from providing immunizations and medications, dental and vision screenings and education, to primary medical visits and mental health care services. They embrace a prevention-based style of care, with a focus on health education services around eating healthy and staying physically active, including chronic disease prevention programs such as diabetes management and education. They provide care and support to the neediest residents in East Ventura County, and inspire individual and communities to make changes toward a life of better health.

Healthy at School: HealthCorps, Inc. – Hueneme High School Student Leaders The HealthCorps Student Leaders at Hueneme High School were selected for their work and efforts in encouraging their peers and elementary school age students to live healthy lifestyles. HealthCorps Coordinator, Frances Adams, has worked with the Student Leaders in providing tools and training which has prepared them to inspire change in the culture of health and wellness in their school and the community they live in. Through mentorship and support, Ms. Adams has provided the tools and preparation this group of students needed to successfully teach and promote health related workshops and activities at their school intended to promote healthy food and beverage choices. Their activities also include providing information and tools to empower younger students from visiting schools to make healthier choices in their everyday lives, as part of what HeathCorps calls “learning labs.” These young men and women are positive role models in their community and for their families, and they have had great success in raising awareness and changing healthy eating behaviors at their school and in their community.

Thank you Champions!

Please join us in commending these recipients in their exemplary work in response to the obesity crisis and contributing towards the goal of Ventura County being named the healthiest county in California.

The nomination process

Join us each year to nominate our Ventura County Health Champions. You may nominate an organization or member of the community at any time. Award winners are selected from the nominees each January by the related Healthy Ventura County Coalition committees. Use the following Champion Award Nomination Form and return your nominations to: info@healthyventuracounty.org.

Health Champion Award Document to Download

Champion Award Process
Champion Award Nomination Form
Champion Awardee Form
Champion Award Letter Template

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