ThinkTV is pleased to recognize and honor those who strive to educate women to make informed decisions about health, well being and personal safety for themselves and their families and that live the Speaking of Women’s Health motto: “Be Strong · Be Healthy · Be in Charge.”  This year’s honoree, who will be honored on November 7th was selected for her outstanding efforts to enhance the quality of life in the Miami Valley.

The 2009 Honoree is Sara T. Pappa, MA, CHES

Mrs. Pappa is the Director of Health Education/Development at the Greene County Combined Health District.  She is a tireless advocate for the Public’s Health in Greene and surrounding counties.  Sara worked with the Cancer Prevention Institute and Kettering Health Systems to deploy quarterly mobile mammography screenings at the Health District, particularly targeting minority areas.  Over twenty women are alive today who might not have been if they had not received the timely screenings provided by these mammography units.  She also directs a thirteen county tobacco use prevention and control grant.  Since 2000, smoking has declined 41% among the area’s youth and 6% in the area’s adults.   Her nominator, Mark McDonnell, Health Commissioner with the Greene County Combined Health District describes Sara as an “outstanding employee, community volunteer, professional leader and mom.”

Mrs. Pappa is a Certified Health Education Specialist, a member and District Representative of the Ohio Society for Public Health Education; the 2008 Chair of the Ohio Tobacco Control Resource Group, Zone Leader for Ohio Action for Healthy Kids (Zone 9); member of the National Wellness Association; member and Vice President of Public Relations for Toastmasters International and the 2007 Volunteer of the Year (family award) from the Starfire Council in Cincinnati.

Past Speaking of Women’s Health Honorees:

Cheryl Spencer - 2008
Edythe Lewis - 2007
Rosemary Bradford - 2006
Karen Marshall - 2006
Angela Goodwine - 2005
Judy Ray - 2005
Karen Lorenz-Levin - 2004
Myra Morgan-Bowser - 2004
Joan Palmer - 2003
Lisa Martinez - 2003
Suzanne J. Choiniere - 2002
Frankye Herald - 2002
Anne McNeill - 2001
Gail Johnson - 2001
Lorrie Ellis - 2001
Linda L. Reilman, MD - 2001