DEPARTMENT: Public Health
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Acknowledgment Of 2026 Public Health Achievement Awards
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Present 2026 Public Health Achievement Awards.
SUMMARY
Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 375A.04, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners is, and performs the duties and exercises the powers of, a community health board under Minn. Stat. chapter 145A, and is required to govern and administer those functions as fully as other Dakota County functions.
The first full week of April is officially designated as National Public Health Week, and this year’s theme is: “Ready. Set. Action!”, which calls on each of us to look back at the progress we’ve made and look forward to the steps needed for an even healthier future. Because one truth guides it all: Good health doesn’t just happen.
By Resolution No. 00-175 (March 21, 2000), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners established an annual Public Health Achievement Award to recognize and honor the contributions of residents in Dakota County who devote their time, energy, and talents in their communities. The award is presented during National Public Health Week. Awards are given in the following three categories:
• Youth Award - an individual or group, 18 years or younger at the time of nomination
• Individual Award - an individual, 19 years or older at time of nomination
• Community Group Award - an individual group, 19 years or older (community coalitions, partnerships, or organizations)
An announcement of the award, including its categories, criteria, and nomination instructions, was distributed to individuals and groups in the community. Nominations were due on March 13, 2026. The review committee was made up of Public Health staff, which reviewed the applications and made recommendations for award recipients (Attachment: 2026 Award Recipient Accomplishments).
The award winners will be announced on April 7, 2026, as part of the County Board meeting scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at the Dakota County Administration Center.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the 2026 Public Health Achievement Awards be presented to:
Category Individual/Organization
Youth TriDistrict CAPS Healthcare class
Individual Stacie O'Leary
Community Mission Outpost
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Expenses are nominal and are included in the 2026 Public Health Budget.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 375A.04, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners is, and performs the duties and exercises the powers of, a community health board under Minn. Stat. ch. 145A, and is required to govern and administer those functions as fully as other Dakota County functions; and
WHEREAS, the first full week in April is officially designated as National Public Health Week and the 2026 theme is: “Ready. Set. Action!”, which calls on each of us to look back at the progress we’ve made and look forward to the steps needed for an even healthier future, with one truth guiding it all: Good health doesn’t just happen; and
WHEREAS, all have a role to play in making our communities healthier, stronger, and safer to live, learn, work, and play; and
WHEREAS, many people in Dakota County contribute time, energy, and talent in their communities to build a healthy Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 00-175 (March 21, 2000), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners, desiring to recognize and honor these contributions, established a Public Health Achievement Award to recognize three categories of contributions: youth, individual and community; and
WHEREAS, nominees were evaluated according to and met criteria for leadership, public health contributions, collaboration, advocacy, role model, and evidence of impact.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby presents the 2026 Public Health Achievement Award to the following individuals and organizations:
Category Individual/Organization
Youth TriDistrict CAPS Healthcare class
Individual Stacie O'Leary
Community Mission Outpost
; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby expresses congratulations and great appreciation for their valuable contributions to the public health mission of bringing people together to create a healthy future for all residents of Dakota County.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
00-175; 3/21/00
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: 2026 Award Recipient Accomplishments
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☒ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Gina Pistulka
Author: Jess Luce