Poughkeepsie, New York … On May 8th at 7 PM, the Dutchess County Board of Health will present the 2017 Public Health Partnership Award to Karen Pagano, of the Beacon Community School District and Steve Miccio, of PEOPLe, Inc. The award presentation will take place in the Legislative Chambers at 22 Market Street in the City of Poughkeepsie at its monthly board meeting.
“Everyone can have an impact on improving the health of our residents,” said Lobsang T. Lhungay, MD, Board of Health President. “It is an honor to recognize two individuals who had the vision in our community to proactively take it upon themselves to improve the health of Dutchess County.”
Ms. Pagano, a Food Services Director at Beacon City School District, has been instrumental in building a strong Wellness Committee within the district. Highlights include the development of a wellness policy, website, Family Fitness Fun Night, and a “Walk to School Day.” She has also created programs to improve healthy eating, such as the “Grab and Go” Breakfast Program and the “Top Your Own” salad bar, where students can choose the vegetable topping to go on their green salad. In addition, Ms. Pagano worked with the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Summer Meals Program to employ teenagers to work in its local food system.
Steve Miccio, CEO of PEOPLe, Inc. was instrumental in bringing the vision forward for the development of the new Dutchess County Stabilization Center, a voluntary walk-in center for individuals dealing with a mental health or substance abuse crisis. Mr. Miccio arranged for San Antonio, Texas’s Model for Mental Health Care in the Community to be presented to community partners, and he advocated for community support toward the implementation of a similar local response to mental health emergencies in Dutchess County. The Dutchess County Stabilization Center opened in February 2017.
The Public Health Partnership Award is designed to provide recognition and appreciation for contributions to the health of the community, reflecting the spirit of creating healthy communities, and to increase public awareness of the role and contribution of County partners who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and community involvement.
For more information about the Public Health Partnership Award, contact the Department of Behavioral & Community Health at (845) 486-3432.
