The National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) conference was held last week in Detroit with an evening awards ceremony honoring a variety of individuals and health departments throughout the nation. Panhandle Public Health District Director Kim Engel received the inaugural National Champion of Local Governmental Public Health Award in addition to the Panhandle Situation Table receiving a Model Practice Award.
“Congratulations to Kim Engel for being the first-ever recipient of the National Champion of Local Governmental Public Health Award,” said Lori Tremmel Freeman, NACCHO CEO. “Engel’s leadership in advancing public health in Nebraska, reflects the highest standards for this prestigious award. We celebrate their remarkable achievements and tireless work to build healthier and more equitable communities.”
2024 National Champion of Local Governmental Public Health Award
The National Champion of Local Governmental Public Health Award gives recognition to outstanding, significant, and innovative activities by an individual, agency, or organization that has consistently in an extra ordinary way, promoted the visibility of local governmental public health departments of NACCHO on a national basis. It is hoped this award will encourage others to act in a similar way.
For over 20 years, Engel has served as Health Director for PPHD and has played a pivotal role in establishing Nebraska’s public health infrastructure. She, along with others, led the Panhandle Partnership, pioneering the first Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan, laying the groundwork for PPHD. Since becoming the Health Director in 2003, Engel’s leadership has grown PPHD from two to over 30 employees, expanded its service area from eight counties to now serving 12, and achieved high staff satisfaction. She champions continued education and local civic engagement, and she has led PPHD to national recognition, including PHAB accreditation.
Engel has held various executive roles in public health organizations, including President of the Nebraska Association of Local Health Directors and a board member of NACCHO. Her leadership has helped PPHD earn national recognition, including a NACCHO Model and Promising Practice Award and inclusion in three U.S. Surgeon General reports. Her innovative approaches and dedication have significantly advanced public health in rural Nebraska. Engel plans to retire in January 2025, leaving a lasting legacy in public health.
2024 Model Practice Award
This year, 14 outstanding local health department programs have been recognized as Model Practices, and 29 programs have been recognized as Promising Practices. Model Practices are programs demonstrating exemplary and replicable qualities in response to a critical local public health need, and Promising Practices have demonstrated exciting approaches and strategies to local public health challenges that are on track to becoming Model Practices.
The Panhandle Situation Table is comprised of multiple agencies such as Law Enforcement, First Responders, Mental Health Professionals, Social Services, Schools, Hospitals, and Community Support Services that collaborate to rapidly triage Acutely Elevated Risk situations to connect individuals and families to much needed support, reaching those who may be at highest levels of composite risk in the community or often fall through the cracks in the system. In 2023, it received a Promising Practice Award and now has moved to a Model Practice Award.
To sign up for PPHD’s news releases, click here or visit www.pphd.ne.gov. Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.ne.gov.