Public Health Champion Awards

County of San Diego

2025 Live Well San Diego

24^th 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 2025, National Public Health Week was April 7-13. The theme was “It Starts Here.”

The 2025 Live Well San Diego 24^th Annual Public Health Champion Awards Ceremony is a signature event for the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). The Ceremony wase held on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. This event recognizeed 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. 

When was the 2025 event?

Who were the award recipients?

What was this year's theme? 

The 2025 Event

Watch a recording of the 2025 Live Well San Diego 24th Annual Public Health Champions Awards Ceremony on the County of San Diego YouTube.

The 2025 event was held on Friday, April 11, 2025 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. 

The 2025 Live Well San Diego 24^th Annual Public Health Champion Award 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 2002-2025.

The 2025 Live Well San Diego 24^th Annual
Public Health Champion Award Recipients

On April 11, 2025, 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 coming soon. To view the article which announces the 2025 Public Health Champion Award recipients and biographies, visit the County News Center. 

2025 Recipients

Public Heath Services Awardees:

1. April A. Fernandez, MAS - Theme
2. Antoinette Marengo, MD, FACOG - Individual
3. Veronica Whitehorse, RN, BSN, PHN, CIC - Individual
4. DHA Immunization Healthcare Division, Pacific Region Team - Organization

Director's Awardee:

1. Foundation for Senior Care
2. Sharia's Closet

Aging and Independence Services, Medical Care Services, and Regional Awardees:

1. Amy Abrams, MSW/MPH, MLIS - Aging and Independence Services
2. Sarah St. John, BSDH, RDH, RDHAP - Medical Care Services 
3. Gabby B. Love - North Coastal Regional Award
4. Backcountry Communities Thriving - North Inland Regional Award
5. San Diego Military Collaborative - North Central Regional Award
6. Fern Street Community Arts - Central Regional Award
7. David R. Shorey - East Regional Award
8. Karen Clay - South Regional Award

This Year’s 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 recognized achievements related to the 2024 National Public Health Week theme: “It Starts Here.” The theme award was 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 daily themes included the following: 

• It Starts Here: Your Health is Our Mission
  Public health starts with everyone. Recent public health initiatives have led to the eradication of diseases, expanded vaccination programs, and secured funds for services, like reproductive care, behavioral health, and climate resilience. Support mental health in the community by attending or volunteering at events, such as walks and fundraisers, that support the mental health movement. Offer a helping hand to neighbors, like running errands for someone without transportation, or sharing
  extra garden produce. 
• Climate Action Starts Here: Championing Resilience for All
  Climate change impacts both physical and mental health through rising temperatures, poor air quality, extreme weather, and damage to ecosystems. These effects are felt most in communities of color and low-income areas due to years of underinvestment and systemic inequities. However, there is hope! Take bold and equitable action to reduce the health effects of climate change and build stronger, healthier communities. Support local climate education and awareness by joining or organizing community workshops, school programs, or public talks about climate change and sustainable practices.
• Health Equity Starts Here: Optimizing Health for All
  Health equity means everyone has access to the resources and opportunities to optimal health, regardless of race, income, location, or disabilities. Adress the causes of health inequities, like discrimination and unequal access to care, so communities can prevent diseases and improve well-being. Promote health equity that leads to healthier people, lower healthcare costs, and stronger communities. Create and engage in conversation as one of the many ways to promote health equity. Build a safe space for family, friends, and coworkers to share ideas and learn about new perspectives.
• Advocacy Starts Here: Amplifying Voices for Public Health
  Public health advocacy is about using your voice to create a healthier world for everyone. Public health advocacy is a crucial part of protecting and promoting health. Amplify voices for public health by lifting up and celebrating community advocates. Take these actions to give power to community members, build trust, and ensure solutions that work for everyone. Use an equity lens to transform public health advocacy. Listen to people who face the biggest health challenges and work to fix the deeper problems that cause poor health – like racism and unequal access to care – to create solutions that help all communities thrive.
• The Future of Public Health Starts Here: Strengthening the Public Health Workforce
  A strong public health workforce is essential for keeping communities healthy and addressing the nation’s biggest health challenges. Public health professionals work to prevent disease, promote wellness, and protect communities. Investing in education and training helps build a diverse workforce with the skills to address health inequalities. Encourage the next generation through mentorship and help strengthen the future public heath workforce. Support mentorship programs in schools or community organizations, where students learn about the impact of public health work. This can help to spark interest and build confidence in the next generation of up-and-coming public health professionals.

If you have further questions, please contact Dasha Dahdouh at (619) 403-8809 or Dasha.Dahdouh@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.