The Oregon Office of Rural Health presented this year’s 2011 Rural Health Hero of the Year Award to Lincoln County resident Patricia Neal.  Her efforts in community health and her dedication and drive,  simply…  inspire.  Pat says,  “I have become a committee goer. I kind of see it as my third career. There’s no pay check, but there is a pay off in feeling that you do contribute to the community”

The recognition, presented in September,  is worth remembering and reviewing. Check out the nicely produced video below featuring testimonials from other hard working champions from the County’s health community.   Pat is certainly not alone in her efforts.  Lincoln County is comprised of many organizations and committees that provide vital feedback in the health continuum.  But, her wisdom strikes a deep chord, “It’s going to take everybody, whether it’s volunteers, professionals… to not only improve knowledge of what they need to do to be healthy. But, to get people participating so they will be.”

 The Oregon Office of Rural Health at Oregon Health & Science University, “annually opens a nomination process to determine a recipient of the Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year Award. This award honors an outstanding person, program or organization that has been responsible for improving the quality and availability of health care in rural Oregon communities.”

“Pat Neal is a dedicated, tireless volunteer in our community. She has lived in Lincoln County for 22 years and has been volunteering in many community health initiatives throughout this time. Pat is currently on ten different health-related committees in Lincoln County and joined her first one, the Public Health Advisory Committee, in 1990. Other committees include: Mental Health Advisory Committee, Tobacco Coalition, Diabetes Coalition, Local Alcohol and Drug Addiction Planning Committee, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Council, Commission on Children and Families, Chronic Care Committee, Childhood Obesity Partnership and Healthy Communities Assessment Workgroup.”

If you are interested in blazing a trail similar to Pat’s (good luck keeping up!) or would like to participate in some of the above mentioned committee and board opportunities,  contact the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners office.  They can provide you with a complete list, applications and additional information.

Contact: Lincoln County Board of Commissioners – 225 West Olive Street, Room 110 -  Newport, Oregon 97365 – (541) 265-4100 - www.co.lincoln.or.us