Ten local health officials received a special Regional Impact Award today from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) at its virtual annual membership meeting for their exemplary service in keeping their communities safe over the past nine months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through their work together on COG’s Health Officials Committee, these public health leaders helped pave the way for a stronger response to COVID-19 in the multi-state, metropolitan Washington region. On their regular conference calls, the health officials discussed strategies on how to stop the spread of the virus. They offered clear guidance and real-time data on various health metrics to local elected officials. Their collaboration also laid the groundwork for efforts by COG staff to develop new regional tools, such as a dashboard providing public health agencies and hospitals with information about the medical surge status of area hospitals.

The Health Officials Committee was directly involved in many prevention and awareness efforts within the region, including a statement led by the committee’s chairs, Dr. Travis Gayles and Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, urging those who participated in the White House Rose Garden event in September to get tested and contact their local health departments for further guidance on quarantine.

This year, the group also facilitated the development of a health equity brief used to normalize the conversation on why equity matters and the importance of addressing the conditions that restrict opportunities for good health and economic mobility in the region.

"COG has provided a great networking opportunity and foundational support to navigate through these uncharted waters," said Dr. Travis Gayles, who accepted the award on behalf of the committee. While expressing appreciation for the recognition, he stressed the importance of continued regional partnership in responding to the ongoing pandemic and distributing the COVID vaccines.

In the weeks and months ahead, the Health Officials Committee will keep in close communication to ensure collaboration across area jurisdictions.