Celebrating Public Health Heroes: A Day of Thanks in Angelina County

Lufkin, TX 11/23/2024 - Public health is the foundation of community well-being, and its champions—our public health professionals—work tirelessly to protect the health and safety of every individual in Angelina County. Whether through providing critical health services at our clinic, supporting vulnerable populations, or addressing unexpected challenges, these individuals serve with compassion, fairness, and respect. On Public Health Thank You Day observed annually on the Monday before Thanksgiving, we take a moment to honor these everyday heroes and the extraordinary work they do, often behind the scenes.

Here in Angelina County, our community health workers, nurses, environmental health specialists, and public health advocates go above and beyond to ensure no one is left behind. One of our community health workers recently demonstrated the profound impact of patient advocacy and cultural understanding. She accompanied a patient to a specialist appointment where a language barrier could have prevented them from fully understanding their diagnosis and care plan. The health worker acted as a crucial bridge and translated the patient's questions to address and communicate any concerns to the specialist. This support empowered the patient to make informed decisions about their care and reinforced the importance of accessible, inclusive healthcare. Moments like these highlight how public health professionals transform lives and strengthen trust in our community, one patient at a time.

Public health work in rural East Texas is as diverse as essential. At the Angelina County & Cities Health District (ACCHD), our programs range from providing life-saving immunizations and cancer screenings to promoting maternal and child health through our WIC Program. This year, we served hundreds of women through our services, many of whom might not otherwise have had access to care. By addressing barriers to care and focusing on prevention, we are creating healthier futures for all residents, especially those in underserved rural areas.

Beyond clinical services, public health ensures our community's safety and well-being through various essential efforts. At ACCHD, our Environmental Health team is critical in safeguarding public spaces by inspecting restaurants and food establishments. They focus on compliance and education, working closely with business owners to help them meet safety standards and protect the public from foodborne outbreaks. We’ve received numerous calls from grateful clients who have commended our environmental team for their dedication and willingness to go the extra mile. Under the leadership of our Environmental Director, this team is known for taking the time to educate and collaborate with establishments, fostering a spirit of partnership and trust.

Meanwhile, our disease surveillance nurse works tirelessly to monitor and investigate all reportable infectious diseases in Texas, ensuring a proactive response to potential health threats in our community. This critical work helps prevent the spread of illnesses and supports the health of every resident. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff, alongside so many volunteers from our community, demonstrated extraordinary commitment by leading efforts in contact tracing, vaccination clinics, and community education, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of rural public health. Their dedication continues to cornerstone our mission to protect and promote health across Angelina County.

Public health professionals are also collaborators, problem-solvers, and innovators. Public health is a shared responsibility woven into the fabric of our community. At ACCHD, we recognize that our partners are vital to this mission. From businesses fostering mother-friendly workplaces to organizations starting community gardens to address healthy food access, these efforts contribute to the collective well-being of Angelina County. Rather than duplicating efforts, we strive to strengthen their capacity and amplify their impact. One instance is that our nurse educator collaborates with the Angelina County AgriLife Extension Office to provide diabetes and nutrition education. At the same time, collaboration with the Lufkin-Angelina County Chamber of Commerce to create the Champions for Children Coalition unite public health, education, and business leaders to support early childhood development.

This synergy is the cornerstone of public health—bringing together diverse strengths to create a healthier, more resilient community. Whether promoting mental health awareness, strengthening family supports, or connecting residents to essential resources at community events, these efforts demonstrate that public health is truly a team effort. Together, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the heart of rural East Texas—neighbors helping neighbors for the common good.

Public Health Thank You Day is an opportunity to express our collective gratitude to these individuals for their unwavering commitment. On November 25, we encourage everyone in Angelina County to take a moment to thank a public health professional, whether it’s the nurse who administered your child’s vaccines, the inspector who ensured your favorite restaurant met safety standards, or the community health worker who supported your neighbor during a difficult time.

At ACCHD, we are proud of the incredible work our team accomplishes every day. Their efforts reflect the heart of rural public health—serving others with dedication and care to ensure our community remains strong, healthy, and safe.

We also thank our Board of Health for their unwavering support and advocacy. Your engagement and efforts to champion public health within your networks and in spaces where we are not present are critical to our success. Your leadership and influence also help ensure our mission reaches every corner of Angelina County.

To the ACCHD public health staff, thank you for all you do. You are the backbone of Angelina County’s health and the quiet force behind so many lives changed for the better.

All my best,
Kristina Childress, MPH, CTCM
Senior Public Health Official
Angelina County & Cities Health District