The Public Health Champions Awards Ceremony took place on April 12, 2025, in San Diego City, recognizing outstanding contributions to public health within the community. The event highlighted the achievements of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing health equity and improving healthcare access.

The ceremony commenced with the presentation of the 2025 Libuel San Diego Public Health Champion Award to Dr. Marengo, a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Marengo has been a pivotal figure in promoting reproductive health care services across 19 health centers in San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial Counties. Her tenure at the Navy Medical Center San Diego from 2010 to 2018 included significant contributions as the first civilian associate residency program director, where she developed a complex family planning curriculum.

Under Dr. Marengo's leadership, gender-affirming care services expanded dramatically, increasing from 800 in 2021 to over 3,300 in 2024. She emphasized the importance of training staff to support these services and enhancing access for individuals in rural areas through both in-center and telehealth options. Additionally, she played a crucial role in launching a new program for individuals diagnosed with HIV, which focuses on providing intermediate treatment and facilitating connections to community support services.

Following Dr. Marengo's recognition, Dr. Anuj Bhatia took the stage to present the Wilma J. Wooten Public Health Champion Organization Award, further celebrating the collective efforts of organizations in the public health sector.

The ceremony underscored the vital role of healthcare professionals and organizations in addressing health disparities and promoting equitable health outcomes in the San Diego community. The event concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration and innovation in public health initiatives.