County Commissioner Linda Bloom (far left) presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Deborah McMahan and Mindy Waldron recognizing the work of the FW-AC Department of Health during the H1N1 pandemic.  Joining Bloom are Commissioners Bill Brown (second from right) and Nelson Peters.

The Allen County Commissioners and the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health today recognized nine organizations for their work during the recent H1N1 influenza virus pandemic.

The groups and their representatives were presented with Certificates of Appreciation during a ceremony at the City-County Building.

“Many people and organizations came together to play a variety of roles in our efforts to fight the effects of the H1N1 flu in our community,” said Linda Bloom, president of the Board of Commissioners, “from making sure people were informed how to best fight the flu to volunteering time and energy at special clinics.  Those we are recognizing today have gone the extra mile to serve their fellow citizens.”

The employees of the Health Department received special recognition by the Commissioners for working over 10,300 hours during the pandemic response effort.  “Their dedication, hard work and patience during this difficult time helped protect our community,” said Bloom.

Also receiving Certificates of Appreciation were Mary Hess and Fort Wayne Community Schools; Tim Davie and Lutheran Health Network; Betty Brown and Darrell Gerig of Parkview Health; Jean Joley and the Volunteer Center; Fort Wayne Police Department Hispanic Liaison Officer Ric Robles; Christine Marshall and the Multicultural Council of Fort Wayne; and Tiffany Bailey and United Way of Allen County’s 2-1-1 Program.