IPHA 2011-2012 Annual Report - Illinois Public Health Association

IPHA 71st Annual MeetingJoint Legislative Reception and Awards CeremonyA joint legislative reception, sponsored by the Illinois Public Health Association, Illinois Association ofPublic Health Administrators, Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium, Southern Illinois Public HealthConsortium, and the Association of Community Mental Health Authorities of Illinois was held during the71st Annual Meeting and Legislative Action day. This 2012 joint reception featured a “Legislator of theYear” Award and “Friend of Public Health” Award for outstanding achievement in legislation that promotespublic health in Illinois. The 2012 award recipients were Illinois State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-18Evanston) and Illinois State Representative Camille Lilly (D-78 Chicago).Legislator of the Year AwardRepresentative Robyn Gabel (D-18 Evanston)Robyn Gabel took office as 18th District state representative on April19, 2010. Gabel looks forward to pursuing legislative priorities likeimplementing national health care reform, creating jobs, promotingeconomic development, and crafting better food and nutrition policies.Gabel began her career as an educator in a women’s health center,later serving as the Training Coordinator and eventually Co-Directorof a health center. As her interest in public service grew, she becamea Legislative Assistant to then Alderman Luis Gutierrez in Chicago,where she was responsible for the development of policy positions andlegislation for health care, housing and economic development. Gabelthen began 20 years of service as the Executive Director of the IllinoisMaternal and Child Health Coalition. In this role, she was responsiblefor carrying out the Coalition’s mission of improving the health ofwomen and children in Illinois through policy development, educationand advocacy. While at the Coalition, she helped develop the KidCare health insurance program toprovide coverage for more than 200,000 children and pregnant women.Friend of Public Health AwardRepresentative Camille Lilly (D-78 Chicago)Camille Lilly, a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Greater Westside, isknown for her dedication and commitment to the residents of the Austinand Garfield communities and the surrounding western suburbs. Overthe past 20 years, she has established herself as an active voice forimproving health care, protecting our neighborhoods, creating strongerschools and creating jobs. As the Vice President of External Affairs andDevelopment at Loretto Hospital, Rep. Lilly has connected the hospitalto its community by involving residents and leaders in the processof identifying local health care needs. Her work in spearheading thedevelopment and implementation of a community Health and WellnessScreening Program has helped save lives by providing citizens information,resources and health care to enhance the local quality of life.As the founder and former Executive Director of the Austin Chamberof Commerce, Lilly has built strong working relationships with the localpark district, 15th District Police Department, area schools and newspapers, community leaders andagencies. She will use her business experience to continue fostering job creation and economic developmentin the region.As State Representative, Lilly is committed to being an open and accessible advocate for all residents ofthe 78th District. She is committed to working to address the needs and concerns of the area by fightingfor educational assistance for families and students, boosting job creation and business development,making health care more affordable and accessible, and expanding mental health services at the communitylevel. Lilly will continue to meet with constituents to seek solutions to these and other issues facingthe community.12www.ipha.com