Public Health Program is One of 29 Nationwide to
Receive “Model Practice Award”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 25, 2007
Las Vegas – The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) honored the Southern Nevada Health District for implementing a program that demonstrates exemplary and replicable qualities in response to a local public health need. The health district’s Nutrition Challenge is one of 29 local public health programs selected from across the nation to receive NACCHO’s Model Practice Award.
In Clark County, less than one in four adults eats the recommended five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day. The Nutrition Challenge is an online program designed to help participants track the number of fruits and vegetables they eat in order to encourage healthier eating habits. Participants track their daily and weekly progress and are provided with weekly tips to help achieve their individual goals. The program is accessible on the health district website, www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org.
“We are proud to receive NACCHO’s Model Practice Award. The award recognizes our commitment to develop responsive and innovative public health programs that improve the health of local citizens,” said Dr. Lawrence Sands, chief health officer of the health district.
A committee of peers selected the Southern Nevada Health District from a group of 118 local health department applications. The Model Practice Awards program honors initiatives – including programs, resources, and tools – that demonstrate how local health departments and their community partners can effectively collaborate to address local public health concerns. The Nutrition Challenge will become part of an online, searchable database of successful public health practices in areas ranging from immunization and maternal and child health to infectious diseases and emergency preparedness. The database will allow NACCHO to share information about what is working across the county in local public health.
“The Southern Nevada Health District joins a special group of health departments that exemplify the forward thinking, proactive attitude of our nation’s public health system,” said NACCHO President Bobby Pestronk. “NACCHO congratulates the Southern Nevada Health District on this important recognition.”
More information on the Nutrition Challenge and additional programs designed to promote healthier lifestyles is available at www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org. For more information about the NACCHO Model Practice Awards, go to www.naccho.org.
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The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.