More than 30 years of service and the institution of numerous new public health programs recently earned state recognition for a Barton County official.
On Monday, the Barton County Commission recognized Health Department Director Lily Akings, who was honored with the Kansas Public Health Association Dorothy Woodin Award.
Akings received the honor during the KPHA Annual Meeting this past week.
According to information from the state agency: “The Kansas Public Health Association annually honors a public health nurse with the Dorothy Woodin Award to recognize outstanding public health nursing services.”
During Monday’s commission meeting, Janel Rose read the nomination statement from her and the rest of the Health Department staff, urging the state agency to honor Akings for 31 years of service, that included improved training for the 20-plus members of her staff.
The nomination also noted her efforts to investigation public health issues; the response to various health emergencies; and her encouragement for state programs in public health.
She has also encouraged community involvement, education and prevention, including healthy family education. And she has led state health agency issues, the nomination urged.
Akings told the commissioners she appreciated the honor and recognized her staff for their support and work and thanked the county for the change to work here for more than 30 years.
“It’s been one of the most gratifying jobs I’ve ever had,” she commented.