In a move to spotlight health crusaders, Dakota County has honored locals who've gone the extra mile to better their neighborhoods' well-being. The 2024 Public Health Achievement Awards were handed out this past Tuesday, recognizing individuals and groups that have rolled up their sleeves to tackle public health issues head-on.

The youth award went to the Vape Waste Team, a group of twelve high schoolers from Eagan, Eastview, and Farmington, who decided to actively address the growing litter of e-cigarettes. These students teamed up to survey their peers and took it upon themselves to duly advocate for a tobacco prevention bill to the state legislative committee, according to the Dakota County website.

Turning the spotlight on individual efforts, Bridgette Norring received an award for her unwavering commitment to the fight against drug-related fatalities, shedding light on the dark spread of fentanyl. Norring, a member of the Dakota County Opioid Response Advisory Committee, shares her knowledge with a swath of society from students to lawmakers—a mission that has, without a doubt, saved lives along the way.

On the group front, South of the River Collaborative swept the award, thanks to the collective force of school district liaisons and advocates. Anchored in their respective communities, they have tirelessly worked to seamlessly introduce families to the gamut of crucial services, from housing to mental health. They stand often as the sole beacon for families grappling to find their footing in a new land, the county's announcement detailed.

Since its inception in 2000, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners has consistently used the Public Health Achievement Awards to shine a light on those who selflessly contribute to the community's health and future. It stands as a testament to the belief that everyone has a role to play in shaping a healthier community—a cause that's clearly close to the heart of Dakota County.