Longtime county Board of Health Chairman Garrick Mallery was recognized by Hamilton County Commissioners on Aug. 28 with the Continental Award, the highest honor bestowed on residents who contribute to making our community a better place to live.
(FROM LEFT) Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman, Commissioner Steve Dillinger, Garrick Mallery and Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. (Photo provided)
Mallery has been chairman of the Board of Health since 2003 — his second stint after leading the group for its first six years, from 1966 to 1972. He has been appointed to the board twice, serving a total of 43 years and helping to guide the county Health Department growth.
Established in 1966, the Hamilton County Health Department has grown from a staff of three with a minimal funds to its current 28 full- and part-time employees and $2.9 million annual budget.
The Health Department provides a wide variety of public health programs, including childhood immunizations; Tuberculosis control; HIV, STI and pregnancy testing; health education; environmental health and mosquito control.
“The dedication of Garrick Mallery to public health has resulted in reduction in childhood disease and communicable disease,” Health Department Administrator Barry McNulty said, “and a healthy environment for the citizens of Hamilton County.”
The Continental Award is given only after a unanimous vote of the three County Commissioners. Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to service over at least a decade, as well as “an attitude of teamwork, a generosity of spirit, and a desire to selflessly support and celebrate the people and communities of Hamilton County.”