Ulster County Launches Community Health Hero Awards

New program recognizes residents, businesses, and organizations for public health contributions

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:05pm

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A dynamic neon outline illustration depicting a diverse group of people engaged in various public health activities like gardening, distributing food, and providing medical care, rendered as simple, energetic shapes in bright colors against a dark background.A vibrant illustration celebrating the many ways that ordinary community members can contribute to public health, from volunteering to donating resources.Kingston Today

The Ulster County Department of Health is launching a new awards program to recognize community members who have made positive contributions to public health in Ulster County. The Ulster County Public Health Champions awards will be given in five categories, including individual, youth, business, community organization, and equity-focused awards.

Why it matters

The program aims to highlight the many ways that ordinary residents, businesses, and organizations can make a difference in public health, beyond just the work of trained professionals. By celebrating these community champions, the county hopes to inspire more people to get involved and take responsibility for improving public health in their local area.

The details

Nominees must either reside in Ulster County or represent an organization that serves the Ulster County community. Nominations are due by July 31 and can be submitted through an online form. Awardees will be honored at a special ceremony in late 2026. Examples of eligible public health contributions include donating food, providing transportation for the elderly, offering family-friendly workplace policies, hosting vaccine events, donating produce, using environmentally-friendly packaging, and making safer-sex supplies accessible.

  • The nomination period is open until July 31, 2026.
  • The awards ceremony will take place in late 2026.

The players

Ulster County Department of Health

The local public health agency launching the new awards program to recognize community contributions to public health.

Eve Walter

The Ulster County Public Health Director, who stated that anyone can make a difference in public health and that the county is excited to learn about the ways residents are already contributing.

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What they’re saying

“'Public health is not just the work of trained professionals — it is a community responsibility, shaped by the choices and actions of residents, businesses, schools, and local leaders.'”

— Eve Walter, Ulster County Public Health Director

What’s next

Nominations for the Ulster County Public Health Champions awards are due by 2 p.m. on July 31, 2026. The award ceremony honoring the winners will take place in late 2026.

The takeaway

This new awards program highlights the important role that everyday community members, businesses, and organizations can play in supporting and improving public health. By recognizing these 'public health champions,' Ulster County hopes to inspire more people to get involved and take an active part in creating a healthier local community.