NACo and PRIMA awards honor innovative county government programs that strengthen services for residents
Annapolis, MD (June 9, 2020) -- Anne Arundel County has earned two national achievement awards for its innovative emergency response training from both the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA).
NACo recognized the county’s “Traumatic Emergency Response Training” in the category of risk and emergency management. This program trained more than 300 county employees in hands-only CPR as well as in the treatment of traumatic bleeding events.
“Our Central Services team, as well as the great emergency response training provided by the Health Department and the Fire Department, is second to none,” said County Executive Pittman. “The people of our county are fortunate to have such outstanding professionals strengthening services that benefit the entire community."
NACo awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast array of comprehensive services that counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.
“Safety is a primary focus of the Office of Central Services,” said Christine Anderson Romans, Central Services Officer. “We are so proud and honored to win this award as it represents what happens when departments work together for a common goal. For the County’s safety team, led by Shannon Hojnowski, there is no greater common goal than assuring that all Anne Arundel County employees get home to their families every night.”
"The partnership between the Health Department and other agencies has been a collaborative effort that benefits employees as well as county residents," said Health Officer Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman. "We are honored that the training developed and presented by our staff Christine Bloom, Debra Curro, Kristy Frashure and Jennifer Schneider was recognized nationally."
The county’s Emergency Response Training also received the national award from the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA). The Office of Central Services developed the training to provide county staff with skills in controlling traumatic bleeding and compressions only CPR with the Health and Fire departments. Nicole Liening would have accepted the award on behalf of the county at the national PRIMA conference, but the conference was canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis.
“This is another example of the county agencies working together to improve the safety of our employees and residents,” said Fire Chief Trisha Wolford. “It is exciting to see the hard work of our Training Academy personnel recognized by both NACo and PRIMA and we look forward to future opportunities to collaborate on these important projects.”
“We are seeing firsthand now more than ever that counties work tirelessly to support its residents,” said NACo President Mary Ann Borgeson. “This year’s achievement award showcases how Anne Arundel County is one of the select counties across America that is building a healthy, safe, and vibrant community.”
The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at www.naco.org