A woman dedicated to ensuring children in the Bend La Pine School District have access to healthy meals and an organization that supports Central Oregon’s homeless community was honored Tuesday as Deschutes County’s 2024 Health Hero.
The award is presented by the Deschutes County Public Health Advisory Board, which aims to recognize individuals and organizations who promote and protect the health of the community.
The individual winner was Gala Schluter, Nutrition Services Department Supervisor, Bend La Pine Schools.
According to the county, Schluter was recommended by Adrea Albin, who wrote, “Gala and her team recognize that diet has a long-term impact on health, happiness, education and success, and they work to ensure healthy meals are provided to enhance children’s futures and their ability to learn.”
Albin also noted that Schluter and his team excel at food safety, addressing food insecurity and putting “local” food first, according to the county.
“It takes passion and love from the whole team to make that happen, so I’m the fortunate guy to lead this group,” Schluter said Tuesday.
This year’s group winner is Lighthouse Navigation Center, nominated by Colleen Sinskey.
According to the county, Sinske wrote that Lighthouse “has made significant contributions to promoting health and well-being within Deschutes County. As a low-barrier emergency shelter and day space, it has served as a critical lifeline for individuals and families experiencing homelessness by providing wraparound services including health referrals, permanent housing assistance, access to public benefits and a welcoming community.”
