Nominate a 'hidden hero' of health

The Kane County Health Department is accepting nominations for the 2008 Hidden Heroes of Public Health awards. Nominations must be received by May 19.

Candidates for the award must be Kane County residents who promote the principles of public health in professional, public or volunteer work in the county. Health department employees are not eligible.

The recipients will be recognized at a July 8 Kane County board meet.

"We do this every year to recognize the people who don't have a high visibility in the community," said health department spokesman Tom Schlueter. "It's our way to celebrate what they do."

Examples would be someone who networks or collaborates with community groups to promote public health, or one who promotes a positive image of public health and is viewed as a leader in the community.

Health officials are suggesting the candidates for the award be involved in one of the health department's five priorities: improving access to health care; eliminating the disparity in African American infant mortality; reducing the level of chronic disease; making community mental health services more available, and maintaining core public health protection.

Nomination forms are available online at www.kanehealth.com.

Completed nomination forms can be faxed to (630) 208-5147 or mailed to Kane County Public Health Awards Search Committee, 1240 N. Highland Ave., Suite 26, Attn: Bev Lopez, Aurora, IL 60506.