This month’s spotlight is continuing the kind words and sentiments shared by health department staff about each other. Continue reading to see what they all had to say:

v  Alison is the most hardworking person I ever met. She is extremely dedicated to her job, and she knows what she's doing. Alison is a real asset to the health department.

v  Andrea is friendly, professional, and enthusiastic. She has the superpower of public speaking and excellent customer service skills when interacting with the public and PCDOH community partners. She goes above and beyond to make the PCDOH a more pleasant place to work by contributing and organizing morale boosting celebrations including Crock Pot Tuesdays. Andrea is very hard-working and gets along with everyone. She is always the first one to volunteer for a challenge. Our operators think she's a big help to them as she takes pride in educational enforcement. She is a confident and concise professional who completes her assigned tasks with conviction and a strong sense of presence. She approaches her work with clarity and purpose, ensuring everything is done thoroughly and effectively. Her confidence and professionalism make her a standout colleague.

v  From summer staff to Sanitarian, Emily has developed her knowledge and skills at an exponential rate. She’s always willing to volunteer for additional work and learn more. Emily is friendly, professional, and has excellent judgement to know when to be firm or call in for reinforcements to protect public health. Emily is an amazing team player. She is always helping her coworkers to succeed. Especially her elder coworkers use a computer. [SH1] [SS2] Emily is a highly knowledgeable coworker who brings valuable expertise to the team. She is always willing to collaborate and believes in teamwork to get the job done efficiently. Her positive attitude and willingness to help make her a great person to work with.

v  Joselyn fit right in when she started working in Health Education. She is always eager to learn new things and take on tasks with a smile on her face.

v  Lesliann works hard in every program she is in. She is kind to her coworkers and is always looking out for them. They don’t call her Mama Les for nothing. Lesliann’s always willing to help others with professional or personal issues- whether they’re CSEA issues or knowledge in the water program. Don’t waste her time though or she’ll call you out on it. Like a Mama, she keeps the summer staff and Environmental Health Aides in line and doesn’t tolerate nonsense or tomfoolery.

v  Margaret P is very hardworking and always willing to help. She's a pleasure to work with.

v  Marianne L has gone above and beyond in meeting deadlines even when we are short staffed. She is a pleasure.

v  Rosie, Karen, Theresa and Corrie are amazing team to work with!!! They come into the office every day, work in the office all day, and are the first ones to greet the public by phone or walk-ins in the lobby. Sometimes the people are mean and grumpy! Yet the staff are always friendly, professional, and treat every person with respect. Everybody always walks through and has conversations in this work area, and the staff are able to tune out the noise, stay focused, and maintain composure to complete their work. They also do a great job decorating the office!

v  The engineers, Joe, Anthony, Dylan, Jess, and the newest addition, Alvin, are wonderful coworkers. I can't tell you how many times I've needed help with moving something heavy or measuring a space and they don't even hesitate to help. They are so kind and willing to help all their coworkers in the department with whatever is needed. We are lucky to have the engineers!

v  Even during challenges, Valerie’s sense of humor helps to brighten the mood. Working with her always feels productive AND fun. I truly appreciate Valerie, my director’s supportive leadership and positive presence in the office. She consistently works to keep the environment light and encouraging, which helps our team stay motivated and connected. She provides clear guidance and is always open about wanting us to feel inspired to take on new projects and challenges. Her support for initiative and forward progress creates a space where we feel empowered to grow, contribute, and move ideas ahead with confidence.

Acts of kindness, like sharing nice things about a coworker, can have positive impacts on health all around—for those committing acts of kindness, those receiving, and people who are witness to kindness. Engaging in acts of kindness can reduce stress, anxiety and even pain. Try it out one day by volunteering, sending a kind text to someone, or saying thank you to someone who provided help. For more ideas to spread kindness at work, home, and beyond, visit RandomActsOfKindness.org.