El Cajon Fire's Safety Educator Wins Several Local Awards! (update)

News from the Grossmont Healthcare District

April 18, 2007 - The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), a public agency that supports health-related community programs and services in San Diego's East County region, has honored five East County residents with a 2007 Healthcare Hero Award.

The honorees were recognized for their efforts to advance the delivery of quality healthcare by volunteering their time beyond normal job responsibilities, according to Bob Yarris, GHD board member who conceived the awards program and also serves on the board's Public Relations & Outreach Committee, which coordinates the annual awards program.

"We are proud to honor these unsung healthcare heroes for their inspirational, extraordinary care and selfless dedication who go the extra mile in volunteer service," said Yarris. "In measurable outcomes, their efforts have improved the quality of life for all East County residents, and for that we are very grateful."

Among those receiving a Grossmont Healthcare District 2007 Healthcare Hero Award:

*Monica Zech extends her job as public information officer and safety educator for the City of El Cajon with frequent appearances to community groups during her off-hours; nights, weekends and even using her vacation days to lecture in the East County and throughout San Diego County. Monica lectures on injury prevention such as fire, traffic safety and disaster preparedness..."safety" is Monica's passion!

Each honoree received a very nice award from Grossmont Healthcare, in addition: a Proclamation from County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, two Congressional Recognition Certificates from Bob Filner and Duncan Hunter, a State Senate Certificate of Recognition from Dennis Hollingsworth, and California State Assembly Certificates of recognition from Joel Anderson and Shirley Horton.

Sponsors of the 2007 awards program included Grossmont Healthcare District, Sycuan Resort, Sharp Grossmont Hospital and SDG&E. Both award recipients and nominees were honored at a luncheon held on April 18, 2007, at Sycuan Resort. Carol LeBeau, KGTV-TV anchor and health reporter, served as emcee at the event.

Additional winners included:

*Dr. Bill Pogue of La Mesa, Kenneth Umbarger of Spring Valley, George Dillon of La Mesa and Mary Putnam of Jamul.

The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital, serves as landlord of the hospital, including ownership of the property and buildings on behalf of local taxpayers. In 1991, the District leased the hospital's operation to Sharp HealthCare under a 30-year lease that runs through the year 2021. For more information about GHD, visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org.

Update: El Cajon Fire is Proud to announce more awards recognizing Monica's dedication to Safety Education:

On July 18th Safety Educator Monica Zech was awarded the 2007 Fire & Life Safety Educator of Year Award from the San Diego County Fire Chief's Association.

On September 23rd she also received a Lifetime Achievement "Silver Award" in Broadcasting from NATAS-National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences at ceremonies held at the Marriott in Mission Valley.

On October 5th, Monica received the Hero 07' Media award from the American Red Cross at the 5th Annual Real Heroes 07' Breakfast held at the Town Country Convention Center. All these awards recognize Monica's injury prevention education through lectures, not only in El Cajon, but throughout the County.