2019 NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Click HERE for an online application.

Hero 

A person of distinguished courage or ability admired for their noble qualities… a person who, in the opinion of others, is regarded as a model to be emulated.  Most heroes live and work among us without much notice, but we all know who they are and it’s only fitting that we publicly recognize and honor them.

In difficult times, local heroes can be just the inspiration we need. Island County’s Community Health Advisory Board (CHAB) and the Board of Health honor individuals who go the extra mile to help others in need.  The Linda Lee Martens Community Health Hero Award is named for the late executive secretary of our local Health Department.  She was a President of Soroptimists International and a memorable participant in many local activities.  She was a hero because she was an ordinary person with an extraordinary love for others.

Award Criteria

 The Linda Lee Martens Memorial Community Health Hero of Island County Award Criteria recognizes an adult, youth (under age 21 when action completed), or agency that has either directly or indirectly impacted community health.  Nominees are selected based on:

• Category of contribution(s) and relative importance
  
• Urgency of the problem(s) addressed
  
• Number of people affected
  
• Scope of project(s):  ($$, people enlisted, time involved, etc.)
  
• Results: (actual or realistically expected insofar as being measurable)
  

(If the nominee’s efforts involve(d) professional duties, they should be above/beyond normal expectations. 

Do you want to check if your nominee has received an award in prior years?  Click HERE to see a list of previous awardees.

The Island County Board of Health and the Community Health Advisory Board honored the 2017 Awardees at a ceremony on May 24, 2017.

Adult Category

Award Winner: Lynn Willeford

Supported the start of seven non-profit organizations serving Island County including Friends of Friends Medical Support, Hearts and Hammers, Back to School Project, Whidbey Island Local Lending, and South Whidbey At Home.

Special Recognitions:  

Barbara Brock: Original member of the Water Resource Advisory Committee recognized for her 18 years of service

Jason McDermott: Began a challenge little league team for kids with developmental and/or physical disabilities

Laiza Ramos: Established a Hispanic support group at the Toddler Learning Center for families with children with developmental and/or physical delays.

Casey Scott-Mitchell: Prevention and Education Manager at CADA who has gone above and beyond her position to educate the community about interpersonal violence, and advocate for victims

Carmen McFadyen: Long-time community volunteer, including the WhidbeyHealth Foundation Board, Windermere Foundation, schools, Boys and Girls Club, Soroptimist International, and Coupeville's Neighborhood Emergency Team.

Agency Category

Award Winner: Camano Country Club Volunteers

A group of 50 volunteers, together providing annually 4000 hours of service, support the Camano Island Country Club in promoting exercise rehabilitation, and community connectedness to Camano Island residents of all ages.

Special Recognition:

Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions: Volunteer peer to peer mentorship program that creates healthy alternatives for sailors, civilians and families to promote physical and mental wellness

 Community Resources Foundation: Organization serving Camano Island residents that provides resource referral and support, English as a Second Language classes, Family Budgeting classes, a Mobile Dental Clinic, Teen Center, Lego Robotics, and teen "ready to work" mentor program.

Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association: Collection and donating clothing, toiletries, food, blankets and other necessary items to clients served by Island County Human Services.

Gifts from the Heart Food Bank Volunteers: Established the "Meals 2 Kids" program to provide low-income students at Coupeville School District with bags of food for the weekend.  

 Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church: First host site for The Haven Overnight Emergency Shelter

Toddler Learning Center: Assisting families and children through early years of learning for children with developmental delays 

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2016 Health Hero Awards

2015 Health Hero Awards

2014 Health Hero Awards

2013 Health Hero Awards    

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Linda Lee Martens

Linda Lee was a former Public Health employee, who volunteered generously and joyously in our community.  This award was created to honor her.