The College of Education and Health Sciences Public Health Program selected six members representing TUC students, faculty and community members as the “2014 Public Health Heroes.”

“All our recipients are visionaries who stand at the intersection of health and the well-being of our communities with a focus on underserved populations,” said Shelley Berkley, senior provost and CEO of Touro’s Western Division. “We are honored to have them receive this most notable award.”

This year’s recipients include Andrew Muck and Ruby Warnock for Student Hero Award; Joy Dugan, MPH, PA-C for Alumni Hero Award; Carinne Brody, MPH, MA, DrPH for Faculty Hero Award; Kathleen Hahn, RN, MSN, CPNP for Community Hero Award; and Marquita Marquis, RN for Hero Recognition  Award.

Dr. Michael Stacey, director of medical services for Solano County Public Health, was the keynote speaker for the event, who spoke about increased access to health care as well his personal experience in global health.

Nominees for the annual award demonstrated outstanding leadership on public health issues, community service, and or active involvement in relevant public health research.

Short bios on Recipients:

TUC student Andrew Muck, an independent Master of Public Health student in the Community Health track, is currently the project coordinator for both the Community Health Promoter and e.n.e.r.g.y. programs. He targets families in low-income housing projects as well as the importance of healthy eating and exercise.

TUC student Ruby Warnock will receive her Master of Public Health degree in Global Health this May. She recently completed her field study in Cambodia at Marie Stopes International, working on a randomized control trial using mobile technology to provide post abortion family planning support.

TUC Alum Joy Dugan, MPH, PA-C, is a 2012 graduate of the Joint Master of Science in Physician Assistant and Master of Public Health program. She is a clinical instructor in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at TUC and works at the Solano County Family Health Services Clinic in Vallejo. She is working to expand the self-management and education services for diabetics through group visits at the clinic.

TUC Faculty member Carinne Brody, MPH, MA, DrPH, is an assistant professor in Public Health and chair of the Global Health track. Dr. Brody has conducted field research for universities, non-governmental organizations and foundations on maternal and child health in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Ghana, Haiti, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya and India.

Kathleen Hahn, RN, MSN, CPNP, is Coordinator of Full Service Community Schools/Student Health Services for the Vallejo City Unified School District. She helped to open Solano County’s first School-Based Health Center in 2004 and brings community support to Vallejo’s school sites.

Marquita Marquis, RN has worked over 40 years in various healthcare related roles including Public Health Manager at Napa County Health and Human Services Agency. She is also a U.S. Army veteran.

To read more about the recipients, visit www.tu.edu.