SDSU Honored with Two San Diego Public Health Awards
The awards celebrate exemplary contributions to the health, safety and well-being of the greater San Diego community.
Each year, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recognizes a number of individuals and organizations throughout the San Diego region for their work in the public health realm.“We know first-hand the quality of SDSU faculty and graduate students and appreciate the breadth of education and expertise students demonstrate upon graduation.”
This year, San Diego State University’s Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH) and Susan Levy, a professor in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, were honored for their contributions to the community as winners of the 2018 “Live Well San Diego Public Health Champions” Awards.
Levy, whose recent research focuses on physical activity in older adults with arthritis, received the Aging and Independence Services (AIS) award.
“I am extremely honored to have received this recognition,” said Levy. “It’s been wonderful having a community partner like Aging and Independence Services of San Diego County as we work to enhance physical function and quality of life for older adults in the community through evidence-based physical activity programs.”
The GSPH is the recipient of the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Director Award. Selected by the director of the San Diego HHSA, Nick Macchione, the designation is a nod to the GSPH’s research and partnership with communities and public health systems across the County of San Diego.
“Since its inception almost four decades ago, the GSPH has always viewed itself as San Diego's School of Public Health,” said Hala Madanat, director of the Graduate School of Public Health, who accepted the award on behalf of the school. “The award is recognition of our commitment to addressing the community’s needs through training underrepresented and first-generation college students, promoting community-based research and translating academic knowledge into practice in partnership with health and social agencies and entire communities.”
Created 17 years ago, the awards aim to highlight the “role of community partners in advancing optimal health and wellness in the county’s diverse populations.” The awards also coincide with the American Public Health Association’s National Public Health Week, April 2-8, 2018.
“We know first-hand the quality of SDSU faculty and graduate students and appreciate the breadth of education and expertise students demonstrate upon graduation,” said Macchione. “Overall, we value our partnership with the GSPH and believe that this 2018 Public Health Champion award is a small token of gratitude.”
