Bass Wins “Doc” Ballard Award

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) has announced Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass as the recipient of the 2014 W. T. “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health. Officials say the award is the District’s highest accolade for outstanding service contributing significantly to the enhancement of public health. According to a news release, Bass “has demonstrated a true commitment to protect and promote the health of the public.”

The news release continues, “Three major accomplishments shine amongst her many successes. First, Mayor Bass recognized the value of trees in our environment and launched the Mayor’s Tree Tyler Initiative. Trees provide a positive environmental impact. The City of Tyler is a natural beauty in large part because of its urban forest. Under Mayor Bass’ leadership, major efforts have been made to both protect and add to Tyler’s urban forest. New walking trails, mountain bike trails and sidewalks have also been added to improve the health and fitness of area residents.

“Second, Mayor Bass personally led monthly fit walks and promoted the Mayor’s Fitwalk Challenge along with her support of the Fit City Challenge and Lighten Up East Texas initiatives. The third star is the newly developed Center for Healthy Living, a partnership between the City of Tyler and the Northeast Texas Public Health District to provide a resource center where residents can access health information, with a focus on health self-management and wellness programs.”