March 25, 2024
lisa macon harrison
Lisa Macon Harrison, MPH, health director at Granville Vance Public Health Department (GVPH) and alumna of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, receives North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors (NCALHD) Health Director of the Year Award did. March 13 at the annual awards luncheon. Ms. Harrison was selected based on her more than 10 years of commitment to leading GVPH and elevating the work, value, and voice of the health sector at the local, statewide, and national levels.
NCALHD President Quintana Stewart presented Harrison with the award, saying, “Lisa is not only a leader in the health department, but also a leader in several local health departments across North Carolina and the United States, and she is a leader in their stories and… We have shared our passion.” At the same time, we advocate for the resources necessary to support their dedication to improving the lives of their neighbors. ”
NCALHD, through its Education and Awards Committee, solicits nominations each fall from local health directors, local and state public health workers, local health board members, elected officials, and local residents. The committee selects the annual award recipients by reviewing nominees' involvement, leadership, and accomplishments in public health at the local level in North Carolina and across the country, as well as their accomplishments in the community (churches, civic clubs, and other involvement). Select.
Harrison earned a bachelor's degree in public health science from the Gillings School in 1996 and a master's degree in public health in 2006. Her upbringing in Cullowee and her family ties to Vance County shaped both her career and her passion for rural North Carolina. Professionally, Harishon became a leader and advocate for rural communities across the state and nation, never losing sight of the importance of public health in all communities.
During his 12 years at GVPH, Harrison created, led, and supported the enhancement and expansion of numerous public health services. As Director of Health, she has worked tirelessly to introduce critical services to the community and increase funding to create better places to live, work and learn. Under her leadership, GVPH's budget increased by 129%. This is a testament to her advocacy and talent as a grant writer to local and statewide legislators.
Mr. Harrison also assured that GVPH will serve as a basic safety net provider for the community. Since 2016, GVPH has provided comprehensive primary care services to ensure whole-person care, including obesity, diabetes and hypertension prevention services and medical nutritional therapy.
Since 2015, under Mr. Harrison's leadership, GVPH has secured more than $6 million in grants to combat mental health and substance use disorder issues in Granville and Vance counties. GVPH was the first health department in North Carolina to offer medication-assisted treatment, building on the success of the primary care service model by providing regular visits with a health care provider and providing individuals with behavioral health care and support. It's tied to resources. As a result, the National Association of Counties selected her GVPH as the destination for its April 2023 peer exchange site visit, bringing leaders from across the United States to the rural communities of Granville and Vance.
In addition, GVPH, along with 30 agencies representing law enforcement, prison administration, public health, EMS, social service, behavioral health, and social service agencies, is working to reduce the number of people with mental illness in prisons. Implemented, supported or led partnerships aimed at reducing Get involved in the community through the Step Up program. Mr. Harrison also works to improve children's health and well-being through the Wellness Coalition, which implements and evaluates the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions focused on nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease prevention. , brought together organizations and community members who support children's health. Located in Granville and Vance counties.
In 2023, Mr. Harrison and GVPH collaborated with the Gillings School to launch the first Gillings School Public Health Communication Fellowship, funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The fellowship was given to Mr. Harrison in his primary role at GVPH and as a representative of all seven organizations. Local health departments within North Carolina 7.
Harrison's influence and efforts extend beyond her county, where she has proven herself to be a steadfast champion of local public health in North Carolina and across the nation. Mr. Harrison often represented local health departments on media campaigns, committees, and to statewide leaders. She served as task force chair for the North Carolina Institute of Medicine's Regional Public Health Future Task Force and joined the North Carolina Institute of Medicine as a member.
In October 2021, Mr. Harrison, as President of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), testified before the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, highlighting the crisis for public health workers across the country and He explained that he had no health problems. As public health workers, care providers have broad responsibilities for infectious disease control. As a result of Mr. Harrison's national advocacy, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary I decided to participate in a round table discussion.
Dr. Shauna Guthrie, MPH, FAAFP, GVPH Medical Director, described Mr. Harrison as a champion and strong voice for local public health in the state and across the nation. “Whether in her community, North Carolina's 100 counties, or the nearly 3,500 local health departments across the country, Lisa is a public health warrior. She is an innovative leader and a leader in the health of Granville and Vance counties. We emphasize community efforts for improvement and find partnerships with various medical groups to advance public health practices.”
About GVPH
GVPH is a local academic health department whose mission is to protect and promote the health of Granville and Vance Counties. GVPH provides a wide range of primary care and preventive clinical services, dental services, health education, health promotion, environmental health, and overall disease and injury detection. Supporting local public health maintains economic development, education systems, community safety, and overall improvements in community resilience. For more information about our programs and services, please visit us online at www.gvph.org or call our Granville County Office at (919) 693-2141 or our Vance County Office at (252) 492-7915.
About NCALHD
The North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors (NCALHD) is an advocacy organization representing 86 health departments serving all 100 counties in North Carolina. NCALHD promotes health, prevents disease, and protects the environment to ensure the health of North Carolina's public. Through leadership, vision, advocacy, and commitment to the principles of public health practice in our communities and across the state.
Please contact the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Communications Team at sphcomm@unc.edu.
