Illinois Dept of Public Health Awards Christina Cruz with Public Health Champion Award

Mark Hunter, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Regional Representative, visited the DeKalb County Health Department on February 22, 2016, to present the IDPH Public Health Champion award to Christina Cruz, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutritionist for DeKalb County Health Department

The Public Health Champion award, consistent with the purpose of Hispanic Heritage Month, honors remarkable individuals as a way to thank them for improving the health of the public and to celebrate the achievements of Hispanics throughout Illinois.

Cruz, in her role in the WIC program, is also a case manager and Breastfeeding Coordinator, was one of the seven Public Health Champions acknowledged statewide. The seven individuals chosen for the award use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make their community a healthier place to live and work.

Cruz uses her time and talents to research new and innovative ways to reach all clients with a special focus on how to impact the Hispanic population. In her role as breastfeeding coordinator, Cruz was instrumental in planning and launching the DeKalb County Health Department’s “Mom’s Club,” a peer breastfeeding support group for DeKalb County moms.