The team at the Lake County Health Department was rewarded for the efforts toward transformative health outcomes for residents.

State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver honored the department with a Public Health Transformation award during Public Health Day on Feb. 12 at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

“This recognition reflects the vision, dedication and tireless effort of our entire Lake County Health Department team and the strong partnerships we have built throughout our community,” said Health Officer Dr. Chandana Vavilala in a press release. “While we are honored by this achievement, we see it as motivation to continue pushing forward, strengthening our services, expanding our impact, and working every day toward a healthier Lake County for all residents.”

Pam Pontones, former Indiana Department of Health deputy health commissioner of local health services, said the award was well-deserved.

“This new and improved LHD has been actively engaging community partners and through those relationships, have succeeded in creating, funding, and delivering excellent programming to improve health outcomes throughout the county,” she said.

The health department opened a mobile clinic last year.

Senate Enrolled Act 4-2023 requires health departments to report performance metrics as part of Health First Indiana.