Amy Abrams receives Public Health Champion Award for advocacy in San Diego County

The Public Health Champions Awards Ceremony took place on April 12, 2025, in San Diego City, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to public health in the community. The event highlighted the achievements of various public health advocates, with a particular focus on Amy Abrams, who received the Aging and Independent Services 2025 Live Well San Diego Fourth Annual Public Health Champion Award.

Amy Abrams has dedicated her 28-year career to serving older adults and individuals with disabilities in San Diego County. She co-founded Windward Life Care, a home health agency, and has held various leadership roles, including directing education and outreach programs for Alzheimer's San Diego. Currently, as the Chief Community Health Officer for the Grossmont Health Care District, Abrams leads several community initiatives aimed at improving health access and literacy.

During the ceremony, Abrams was recognized for her innovative programs, such as establishing a mobile outreach library to enhance community access to health resources and organizing health literacy events. She has also worked to improve emergency medical services understanding among residents and introduced a public skin sunscreen dispenser program in Santee. Additionally, Abrams initiated a memory café for individuals living with dementia and their families, and she is developing new protocols to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits for older adults.

The ceremony featured remarks from various health officials, including Jennifer Tudor, Chief Medical Officer at County Health and Human Services, and Jamie Beam, Director of Medical Care Services. They expressed gratitude for the contributions of public health advocates and the importance of community collaboration in addressing health issues.

Overall, the event celebrated the dedication of individuals like Abrams, who have made a lasting impact on public health in San Diego County, emphasizing the need for continued support and innovation in health services for vulnerable populations.