Title
Resolution recognizing the contributions and service of Irene T. Pierce, M.S.N., Executive Director, Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center, on the occasion of her retirement.
Body
WHEREAS, Irene T. Pierce, M.S.N., has served the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center as Executive Director since 2008; and
WHEREAS, over the past 23 years, Ms. Pierce's vision has been crucial in the growth, development and relevance of Health Department programs; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Pierce was instrumental in transitioning the Health Department's medical clinics into a Federally Qualified Health Care Center (FQHC), significantly increasing comprehensive primary care services to limited-income residents of Lake County. This service expansion increased care from 19,000 to 48,000 individuals; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Pierce leveraged funding to expand specialty care services to the uninsured through contributions from hospitals, foundations and Lake County; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Pierce reached out to community advocates to form the Friends For Health fundraising arm of the North Shore Health Center in Highland Park; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Pierce worked actively with local, state and federal legislators to advocate for the health needs of the Lake County community, especially the most vulnerable and those experiencing health disparities; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Pierce's vision and leadership have enhanced public health at the local, state and federal levels. Her public health advocacy has been present through active roles in the Illinois Public Health Association, Illinois Primary Health Care Association, National Association of City and County Health Officials and the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium and other associations and committees; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Pierce was the recipient of the 2008 George M. O'Neill Leadership Award from the Illinois Primary Health Care Association.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Lake County Board recognizes Ms. Pierce's extensive contributions to the citizens of Lake County through her dedication to public health, and we express our gratitude for her 23 years of service and commitment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Lake County Board extends its best wishes to Ms. Pierce on the occasion of her retirement and wishes her blessings in the years to come.
DATED, at WAUKEGAN, LAKE COUNTY, IL on March 12, 2013.