Amy Abrams recognized as San Diego's Public Health Champion for elder care initiatives

Amy Abrams was honored with the 2025 Public Health Champion Award at the San Diego County Public Health Champions Awards Ceremony, recognizing her 28 years of dedicated service to older adults and individuals with disabilities. As the chief community health officer at the Grossmont Health Care District, Abrams has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving community health and access to resources.

Among her notable contributions is the establishment of a mobile outreach library, which enhances access to health and wellness materials. She also organized Health Literacy Day, featuring educational sessions and a community fair, and developed programs to educate residents about emergency medical services. Abrams has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps between the Arabic-speaking immigrant community and local healthcare providers, promoting better health outcomes.

Her innovative projects include a public sunscreen dispenser program in Santee and a memory café for individuals living with dementia and their families. Currently, she is collaborating with emergency services and local hospitals to create protocols that aim to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits for older adults and those with cognitive impairments.

Abrams has played a pivotal role in various community efforts, including the first dementia skills and resource fair, and is set to launch a pilot support program for scam and fraud victims this summer. Her leadership has transformed the Grossmont Healthcare District's Health and Wellness Library into a central hub for public health initiatives.

The award presentation highlighted Abrams' unwavering commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in San Diego County, showcasing her as a true public health champion.