Public Health Champion Awards
County of San Diego
2026 Live Well San Diego
25th Annual Public Health Champion Awards
During the first full week of April each year, National Public Health Week (NPHW) is observed across the U.S. as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving the health of our nation. Each year, the American Public Health Association (APHA) develops a national campaign to educate the public, policymakers, and practitioners about issues related to each year’s theme.
For 2026, National Public Health Week is April 6-12, the theme was “Ready. Set. Action!”
The 2026 Live Well San Diego 25th Annual Public Health Champion Awards Ceremony is a signature event for the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). This event recognizes the extraordinary achievements in areas of public health service that protect and promote the health of the local population. The awards were created to honor the role of public/private collaborations that advance optimal health and wellness, in the diverse populations of San Diego County.
The 2026 Event
The 2026 Ceremony was held on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the County Administration Center, located at 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101, in Room 310. Award recipients were recognized and will be added to a permanent plaque.
The 2026 Live Well San Diego 25th Annual Public Health Champion Awards Ceremony is an event of Live Well San Diego, a long-term vision for improving the health and wellness of all San Diegans. View the Complete List of the Live Well San Diego Public Health Champions selected from 2002 through 2026.
The 2026 Theme
The Live Well San Diego Public Health Champion Awards Ceremony is the County’s annual signature event during National Public Health Week.
This year’s theme award recognizes achievements related to the 2026 National Public Health Week theme: “Ready. Set. Action!” The theme award is presented to recognize achievements related to the NPHW theme. Visit the National Public Health Week Website for a full description. This theme embodies the vision of Live Well San Diego and the County’s strategic mission. The priority topics include the following:
- Government Partners
- Scientific Advancement
- Community Leadership
- Your Partner with Public Health
The 2026 Live Well San Diego 25th Annual Public Health Champion Award Recipients
On April 10, 2026, the Live Well San Diego Public Health Champions (listed below) were recognized for their outstanding work and contributions to Public Health. Photos from the event are available on the Live Well San Diego Facebook. To view the article which announces the 2026 Public Health Champion Award recipients and biographies, visit the County News Center.
2026 Recipients
Director's Awardees:
- Gloria E. Ciriza, Ed.D.
- IWC Primary Care
Public Heath Services Awardees:
- Encuentros Leadership - Wilma J. Wooten Theme Award
- Dr. Stefan A. Willging, M.D. - Wilma J. Wooten Individual Award
- Oliva Lafuente, B.S. - Wilma J. Wooten Individual Award
- Foundation for the Children of the Californias - Wilma J. Wooten Organization Award
Aging and Independence Services and Regional Awardees:
- Pualani Vazquez - Aging and Independence Services Award
- Nature Unplugged - North Coastal Regional Award
- Fallbrook Union High School District - North Inland Regional Award
- Promises2Kids - North Central Regional Award
- Grandma LuLu's Table - Central Regional Award
- Majdal: Arab Community Center of San Diego - East Regional Award
- Jovita Arellano - South Regional Award
If you have further questions, please contact Jonathen Vazquez Ramirez at (619) 740-1472 or Jonathen.VazquezRamirez@sdcounty.ca.gov
The Live Well San Diego Public Health Champion Awards Ceremony is a component of Live Well San Diego, a long-term vision for improving the health and wellness of all San Diegans.
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