The Guilford County Board of Commissioners received the 2024 Outstanding Board of Health Award during a meeting on November 21, 2024. This recognition was presented by Miss Wertner on behalf of the Every Baby Guilford program and the Guilford County Department of Public Health.

The award highlights the Board's commitment to reducing infant mortality rates, which have historically been higher than state and national averages, particularly among racial groups. Since naming infant mortality reduction a strategic priority in 2020, the Board has allocated resources and implemented a collective action framework aimed at fostering community-driven solutions.

The initiative has brought together various stakeholders, including community members, healthcare institutions, and maternal health partners, to address health disparities and promote equity. The Board's efforts are part of a broader goal to reduce these disparities by 50% by 2026.

Miss Wertner emphasized that while significant progress has been made, the work is ongoing. The recognition from the Association of North Carolina's Board of Health underscores the importance of the Board's leadership in implementing innovative strategies to support the county's most vulnerable residents, particularly infants.

The meeting concluded with a presentation of the award to Chairman Commissioner Austin, marking a significant milestone in Guilford County's public health efforts.