Community Service Award Recipients

At the April 5, 2005, Cecil County Board of Health meeting, County Commissioners President Nelson Bolender and Health Officer Dr. Virginia Bailey presented Outstanding Community Service Awards in Public Health to Jane Burton, R.N., B.S.N., and Step Mika in appreciation for their many contributions and long term commitment to public health in Cecil County.

This award is presented annually at the county Board of Health meeting during Public Health Week, the first week in April, to recognize health care professionals and community members who have made a positive impact on public health in Cecil County. Past award recipients have included John Bennett, Henry Farkas, M.D., Avis Brown, Joseph Gwiazdowski, D.D.S., Howard Schapiro, D.D.S., Richard Szumel, M.D., and the office of Jui-Chih Hsu, M.D.

Jane Burton has spent her entire nursing career at Union Hospital, first as a staff nurse in the Intensive Care and Medical Surgical Units and then as the manager of the Medical Surgical Unit. Since 1999, she has served as the hospital's Cancer Program Coordinator. She holds certifications in Breast Health Education and Oncology Nursing, serves on the local chapter of the American Cancer Society and its Relay for Life committee and also finds time to help as a part-time on-call nurse for Seasons Hospice. Her commitment to the community is also evident in her work with the Cecil County Community Health Advisory Committee, the Cancer Task Force and the Tobacco Task Force.

For thirty years, Robert "Step" Mika has worked for Cecil County Public Schools as a teacher, coach, athletic director and coordinator or liaison for many programs that impact positively on children and families, such as Safe and Drug Free Schools, Service Learning and Hot Spots. His leadership and vision for a healthy community have served the county on such committees and boards as Cecil Citizens Against Drugs, Cecil County School Health Council, Maryland Healthy Schools Coalition, Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services, Inc. and Boys and Girls Clubs of Cecil County. Step is an integral part of community health planning efforts, serving on the Cecil County Community Health Advisory Committee and the Alcohol and Drug Council, and chairing the Tobacco Task Force.

These exemplary award recipients for Outstanding Community Service in Public Health were recognized for the time they have committed to public health activities and the positive impact that their work has had on the health of Cecil County residents.