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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Each year, the City-County Health District Health Board and staff select a local individual or group who has stood out as a leader within the public health arena, assisting in work toward the mission of public health. Kerry Johnson of Valley City was chosen as the 2013 honoree.

Johnson, Barnes County Highway Department supervisor, has for years asked his staff to clean up the county shop building to make the facility fully available for City-County Health’s drive-through flu immunization clinics.

Johnson has been very open to public health screening events, allowing and encouraging his staff to take advantage of lipid profile screenings, flu vaccinations, blood pressure screenings, and to participate in work site wellness opportunities through our recent work site recess grant.

Johnson also approached CCHD regarding assistance for his staff who wanted to quit tobacco use. Because of his understanding of the detriments of tobacco use and his concern for his employees, CCHD is currently providing on-site assistance for several of them. By encouraging his staff to make lifestyle changes to improve their health, Johnson knows he will see a return. Healthy employees are happier and more productive employees.