The Consortium Honored 15 Community Partners and Seven Committee Members

(Black PR Wire) MIAMI, FL – Every milestone is worth celebrating, that is why the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade celebrated its 20th Anniversary on Friday, December 1, 2023, during their annual meeting, hosted this year at the Dadeland Marriott Datran Ballroom.

Themed “20 Years of Community Partnerships: The Past, Present, and Future,” the event celebrated the Consortium’s transformative initiatives and accomplishments over the past two decades.

The morning kicked off with a vibrant breakfast networking session, where attendees had the opportunity to connect with key stakeholders, community partners, and supporters. The event officially commenced with opening remarks from Mrs. Islamiyat Nancy Adebisi, Government Operations Consultant III at the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, who reflected on the Consortium’s two-decade journey and its continued commitment to ensure that Miami-Dade County residents can live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Ms. Tiffani Helberg, Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations and Communications at Community Health of South Florida, served as the emcee.

“We are proud to celebrate this milestone with all the community partners and committee members,” said Dr. Yesenia Villalta, Administrator/Health Officer of the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the presentation of a proclamation recognizing the Consortium’s outstanding contributions to the Miami-Dade community by Ms. Sonia Grice, Director of Community Action & Human Services. Following the special presentation, the Executive Board Co-Chairs, Ms. Leyanee Perez and Dr. Cristina Brito provided a comprehensive year review, highlighting key initiatives and accomplishments.

The celebration continued with a keynote address delivered by a special guest—the former Director of the Office of Community Health and Planning at the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, Mrs. Ann-Karen Weller.

The consortium provided a fun and educational fitness break activity led by Ms. Anny Norato, an Exercise Instructor from Baptist Health South Florida, before opening the stage to Dr. Yesenia Villalta, who shared the Consortium’s vision for the future.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to committed partners and committee members who have played a pivotal role in advancing the Consortium’s mission.

Consortium’s 20th Anniversary Honorees:

Partners Awards Honorees:

• Alliance for Aging, Inc.
• Florida International University
• Health Council of South Florida
• Jackson Health System
• Miami-Dade Area Health Education Center
• Miami-Dade County
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools
• United Way Miami
• University of Florida/Miami-Dade County Extension
• University of Miami
• VITAS Healthcare

Changemaker Awards Honorees:

• American Healthy Weight Alliance
• Baptist Health South Florida
• Miami Center for Architecture & Design
• Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department (PROS)

2023 Outstanding Members:

• Allyssa Gonzalez, member of the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Committee
• Jeffrey Hurst, member of the Children Issues/ Oral Health Committee
• Joanna Lombard, member of the Health and the Built Environment Committee
• Bernadette Morris, member of the Marketing and Membership Committee
• Amanda Nicol, member of the Worksite Wellness Committee
• William Sanchez, member of the Tobacco-Free Workgroup
• Marjorie York, member of the Elder Issues Committee

About the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade:

Established two decades ago, the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade has made a considerable impact on the health of the local community through partnerships, programs, initiatives, and policies that focus on improving health outcomes and promoting wellness across Miami-Dade County.

This year marks a remarkable milestone for the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade as it proudly celebrates two decades of dedicated service in optimizing the health and well-being of Miami-Dade residents.

Since its inception, the Consortium has been a driving force in implementing impactful initiatives, from nutrition programs to fostering healthy behaviors and increasing resources for the community.

The Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade is comprised of over 400 organizations, all united by the common belief that through collaboration and prevention-focused initiatives, Miami-Dade County residents can live longer, happier, and healthier. The Consortium initiatives are guided by the goals and objectives established in Healthy People 2030, the blueprint for health in the United States.

The mission of the Consortium is to be a major catalyst for healthy living in Miami-Dade through the support and strengthening of sustainable policies, systems, and environments. For more information on the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade, visit www.healthymiamidade.org.

Photo 1: The Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade was presented with a proclamation during its 20th anniversary Celebration on December 1. Left to right: Dr. Yesenia Villalta, Administrator/Health Officer of the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, Ms. Sonia Grice, Director of Community Action & Human Services, Ms. Leyanee Perez and Dr. Cristina Brito, Co-Chairs of the Executive Board of the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade and Mrs. Islamiyat Nancy Adebisi, Government Operations Consultant at the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County.

Photo 2: Dr. Yesenia Villalta, Administrator/Health Officer of the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, with Ms. Tiffani Helberg, Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations and Communications at Community Health of South Florida,  and emcee of the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Photo 3: Mrs. Ann-Karen Weller, former Director of the Office of Community Health and Planning at the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, at the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade 20th Anniversary Celebration held on December 1st at the  Dadeland Marriott Datran Ballroom. Mrs. Weller was the keynote speaker.

Photo 4: Attendees of the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade 20th Anniversary Celebration participating in the fun and educational fitness break led by Ms. Anny Norato, Exercise Instructor from Baptist Health South Florida.

Photo 5: Mrs. Islamiyat Nancy Adebisi, Government Operations Consultant at the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County offering the opening remarks during the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade.

Photo 6: Attendees of the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade 20th Anniversary Celebration at the vendors' booth.