Jayne Reinhardt: Outstanding Community Partner

 

She always stands…and also stands out.

Jayne Reinhardt, community health promotion specialist with the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), will be getting a 2012 Outstanding Community Partner award from Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP).  The award, given to “those who go above and beyond to volunteer their time, contribute their ideas and expertise, and provide leadership,” will be presented to Reinhardt next week.

“I feel honored,” said Reinhardt, 51, who seldom sits because of a back injury. “I love working with them (CHIP). I love their initiatives. They fit in well with Live Well, San Diego!”

Live Well, San Diego! is the County’s ongoing initiative to improve the health and well-being of local residents.

Reinhardt has worked for HHSA for almost 20 years, first as an Alcohol and Drug Prevention Specialist and then in many roles in her current position in the Central and South regions. 

Reinhardt works on policy and environmental change, promotes healthy behaviors, and helps link people to medical providers and resources to improve their overall health.

“When people have a medical provider or better health homes, they are going to be healthier,” Reinhardt said.

She is also actively involved in promoting mental health and participated in the creation of depression screening events which take place every October. Reinhardt worked on the region’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan, funded by the County and created by CHIP, and was instrumental in getting faith groups and organizations to participate in its development.

“I’ve worked in so many different areas, but I’ve always found a great deal of passion in all of them,” added Reinhardt, who now works with community partners doing outreach and providing resources to youth and the homeless.

“I am excited. I am working to create change. I am trying to make things better.”