Deschutes County Honors ‘Health Heroes’

Every year, the Deschutes County Public Health Advisory Board honors those making the community a healthier place to live. Wednesday, two heroes were recognized for their hard work.

“Kids@Heart” took home the group award as health heroes in the community. The group is part of the St. Charles Health System, and focuses on fighting childhood obesity.

“We’re trying to bring the message that it’s easy and attainable for families to make choices in their own households, and then taking that message into the community and the schools and various places,” said Kate Wells.

With one-third of children nationwide overweight and at risk for diabetes, the board members said they agreed “Kids@Heart” helps families focus on healthy food and staying active.

“This is the time that we look to the community, and say, ‘Hey, thank you for supporting good community health,”‘ said board Chair Kim Curley. “They are making infrastructure changes and other things to help all of us become healthier.”

Connie Hoffstetter, a school nurse with Bend-La Pine Schools, was honored for 12 years of service.

She established a school-based health center in La Pine, and helped treat children suffering from asthma.

“If we can expand services, what we can do at the school is keep that child in school and ready to learn,” Hoffstetter said. “It’s a win-win for the child, the school and the community.”

County health officials say any time leaders can prevent disease and protect health and safety, it saves everybody money.

“We just try and have one opportunity in the year where we showcase what we do and really bring public health into the spotlight,” said Tom Kuhn, community health program manager.