(HAUPPAUGE, NY, May 22, 2015)--A Suffolk County Department of Health Services nurse was cited Wednesday, May 20, 2015 for excellent work by the Professional Nurses Association of Suffolk County (PNASC).
Lauren Barlow, a public health nurse in epidemiology, receiv
ed the 2015 Margaret M. Hardie Nurse of Excellence Award at the association’s annual meeting and dinner held at the Marriott Courtyard in Ronkonkoma.
“We are proud of the work Lauren has done for the residents of Suffolk County,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “Our Department of Health Services consistently leads the way in dealing with public health issues, ensuring that it follows its mission of promoting wellness and protecting the public’s health and environment.”
Under Ms. Barlow’s leadership, the Bureau’s nurse epidemiologists provide human disease surveillance and mandated New York State Department of Health reporting for over 70 communicable diseases for Suffolk County residents. They investigate disease reports, confirm diagnoses, and initiate outbreak control measures, as needed.
They maintain close contact with area hospital infection control practitioners and health care providers in order to ascertain suspect patient presentations, unexpected illness, unusual clusters that may indicate an unusual occurrence of a communicable disease in the community.
Ms. Barlow coordinates the County’s Adult Immunization Program as well as Suffolk County’s Hepatitis B Perinatal Prevention Program, which aims to promote the health of pregnant women countywide, who carry the Hepatitis B virus, and prevent the transfer of this serious virus to their newborn babies.
“I am very honored, grateful, and humbled to receive this recognition from Nurse colleagues in Suffolk County,” Barlow said. “ I feel that there are so many fabulous, bright, talented, and hard-working nurses, especially those I work with, who are so deserving.”
The awards committee said her work epitomizes professional nursing and exceeds the following criteria:
Has made a significant contribution to nursing and health care in Suffolk County
- Distinctly and uniquely illustrates the nature and scope of nursing practice
- Serves as a professional role model.
The Westhampton resident was selected from a pool of nominees. PNASC is an association of professional nurses from numerous agencies, hospitals, and other health care organizations throughout Suffolk County.
