Harrington received national recognition

Dennis Harrington, deputy director, Division of Public Health (DPH) has received the National Association of Local Boards of Health's 2005 Director's Award. The award was presented at the association’s 13th Annual Conference held August 10-13, in Nashville, Tenn.

“Many of you experience Dennis' leadership and hard work through his administrative role for the division and in his work between the division and the department,” said State Health Director Dr. Leah Devlin. “What you may not know as well is how strong a role he plays in assisting the local boards of health in their policy development, in the selection of the local health directors and in training and orientation. Because of his own experience at the local level and his wide knowledge of the counties, Dennis is a tremendous asset to us and to our local public health partners.”

Dennis travels extensively in the evenings to meet with the boards of health and the local health directors. I have never heard him decline a request no matter how far or how inconvenient it may be to him personally.”

Harrington served for 13 years as a local health director in Davie and Scotland counties prior to joining DPH in 2003.

The Directors Award is given to a current state or local health official who has:

• contributed significantly to state or local public health; or
• contributed to the training, support and strength of a local board of health or state association of local boards of health.

“It is very good to see Dennis recognized by this national association for his very valuable contributions to the local boards of health in North Carolina,” said Dr. Devlin.

“Given that there are over 800 professional and community volunteers serving on these local boards, it is critical that we provide them with the support that they deserve as public health leaders and policy makers. No one does this better than Dennis Harrington.”

Next story

Last Modified: September 1, 2005