Commissioner Bernadette Pelissier has been named Orange County’s 2016 Public Health Hero.

Pelissier was given the inaugural award because she has served on a number of boards, as well as worked in the fields of mental health and substance abuse.

“Whether she is working on issues of environmental protection or homelessness, Bernadette always brings a health lens to the conversation,” said director of public health Colleen Bridger. “We have truly appreciated having such an amazing public health advocate serving as a county commissioner.”

The Public Health Hero Award is a recognition given by the Orange County Health Department during National Public Health Month to honor community members who champion public health causes in the county.

This is the first year of the award.

The Health Department plans to recognize a different individual annually.

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