The Neill E. Miner Memorial Prevention Award was presented to Liz Blackwell-Moore on October 29, 2019 at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention & Maine Prevention Services “Prevention Professionals Conference” in Freeport.
Scott Gagnon, Director of AdCare Educational Institute of Maine and the New England Prevention Technology Center said, “The Neill E. Miner Memorial Prevention Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant commitment in the field of prevention. The recognized individual has demonstrated a deep commitment and broad orientation to health promotion and disease prevention that extends beyond their specific profession or field of interest…this year’s recipient exemplifies these criteria and then some.”
Upon presenting the award to Liz, Scott invited two colleagues to speak about her impact of her work.
Lee Anne Dodge, Program Director at SoPo Unite, described initiatives in South Portland that have had meaningful local impact and attracted state-wide and national attention. She spoke of “the ripple effect of Liz Blackwell-Moore.”
Bridget O’Connor, Director, Public Health Program, The Opportunity Alliance, read a quote which she said aptly describes her relationship with Liz:
“As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other peoples’ ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them and it will change your life.” – Amy Poehler
Upon accepting the award, Liz said, “We’ve all had this chance to work together and learn from each other and I feel like that’s what has made us do better in the work we are all trying to achieve in making communities healthier, better places.”
View a video of the award presentation here.