County’s Public Health Recognized for Outstanding Equity Work

 Public Health’s commitment to equity in serving Mecklenburg County residents is being recognized by public media. WFAE, Charlotte region’s NPR station, has launched the EQUALibrium Awards. The award recognizes the area’s residents and institutions that have made outstanding contributions in advancing issues of race and equity within the community.

“We are very honored to receive this recognition by WFAE,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director. “Public media is a powerful partner in our work to connect residents to information and resources, as well as uplifting stories of our successes and challenges. Our mission of promoting and protecting the public’s health can only be achieved if we meet our residents where they are. It’s not enough to simply provide services, we must understand and respond to the conditions that make access possible for our residents, even if it means bringing services to them.”
Special achievement awards will also be given to leaders who have a long history of supporting equity work including Jane and Hugh McColl who will receive the Luminary Award for their work to create equity and access to education for young people living in our community.  

More than 100 nominations were received across seven categories. Mecklenburg County Public Health will be one of three government recipients. Winners and nominees will be honored at an awards ceremony on June 27.