October 4, 2012 -- 10th Annual Billi Odegaard Public Health Genius Awards honor achievements and contributions to improving public health in Oregon.
Lifetime Excellence Award: Dr. Tina Castañares. Dr. Castañares is the founder of La Clinica del Carino Family Health Center. She also served as health officer for Hood River County for 12 years and Medical Director for Hospice of the Gorge in Hood River, Oregon, where she has promoted public health through improving social and economic determinants.
Emerging Leader Award: LaRisha Baker. Ms. Baker is a co-founder of the Steve Baker Colorectal Cancer Alliance where she advocates for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. As a Contract Specialist for the Multnomah County Health Department, Ms. Baker received a Robert Wood Johnson Ladder to Leadership Award, which she used to address Health Equity and issues of race and equity in institutions.
Exceptional Group Award: Village Gardens, Janus Youth Programs. Village Gardens, started in 2001, is a non-profit organization comprised of various projects focused on creating a healthy and positive community in North Portland. Through empowering community leadership, Village Gardens has often been credited with providing jobs, reducing crime, and improving community health and equity.
OPHI will honor award recipients on October 19th, 2012 at the Multnomah Athletic Club from 12:00-2:00. The luncheon is open to the public. Individual tickets are $50 and can be purchased by check or credit card. For more information, contact Karli at [email protected], 503.227.5502 x223.
The Oregon Public Health Institute is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of Oregonians through advocacy and support of effective public health policy and activities.
