NMSU honors Public Health Heroes for promoting health and keeping communities safe

New Mexico State University’s Department of Public Health Services honored three public health advocates for their outstanding work in promoting health and keeping communities safe.

The NMSU Public Health Heroes Awards, now in their seventh year, recognizes and celebrates local public health heroes for their contributions and commitments to fostering public health.

This year’s recipients were:

• Anthony Youth Farm in Anthony, New Mexico, received the Community Organization/Program Public Health Hero Award. The award recognizes an organization or program that provides excellent services and integrates the value of public health into the community. Anthony Youth Farm trains young farmers through food, farming and business incubation, while giving back to the local community.
• Olivia De Leon, director of the Wellness, Alcohol and Violence Education Program (WAVE) at NMSU, received the Community Leader Public Health Hero Award. This award recognizes a person who provides distinguished service to the community and significant contributions as a leader in developing healthier communities. WAVE educates the NMSU community on issues of personal safety and well-being.
• Lindsey Davis, southwest regional trainer coach for Children, Youth and Families Department in Las Cruces, was awarded the Rising Star Public Health Hero Award. This award recognizes a rising public health professional in Doña Ana County. Davis, a graduate of NMSU, is a licensed master social worker and certified health education specialist with almost a decade of experience.