MASON CITY – Shirley Stephen, Chronic Disease Prevention Nurse with the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health received the 2018 Henry Albert Memorial Award from the Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA).
The Henry Albert Memorial Award was named in honor of the Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Health from 1926-1930 and recognizes distinguished leadership in public health in Iowa.
“Shirley’s exemplary service in nursing for over 45 years and leadership in public health outreach education and prevention is consistent with the type of leadership necessary in public health to encourage groundbreaking public health initiatives,” said Brandyce Frink, Iowa Public Health Association Awards Committee Chair. “The Henry Albert Memorial Award conceptualizes what we feel is Shirley’s legacy to her community. Shirley’s extensive leadership and dedication to public health during her many years of service to the community cannot be understated.”
Shirley has been an employee of the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health for 19 years. Her work includes operating the Senior Health Clinics. These clinics are free for all Cerro Gordo County residents age 55 and older. Her upcoming clinic schedule is located at http://www.cghealth.com.
“Shirley is one of the most passionate nurses in the public health field,” said Karen Crimmings, Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Service Manager at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health. “She spends quality time with her clients, does thorough assessments that have resulted in many issues being caught early resulting in saved lives, and works to improve access to quality health care in our area.”
She received her award at a reception held by the Iowa Public Health Association in April.