Dutton gets state honor

DEBBIE DUTTON (center), School Health Program Sspervisor for the Dare County Department of Public Health (DCDPH), was recently awarded the Citation of Merit from the North Carolina Public Health Association (NCPHA). The Citation of Merit is conferred upon individual members of NCPHA who, by long years of noteworthy service have made significant contributions within the recent past and have advanced public health in North Carolina.

Dutton began working for the DCDPH as a school nurse in 1991. From the beginning she demonstrated strong leadership qualities, and a deep compassion for and commitment to the children of our community. In 1997 she was promoted to lead school nurse, responsible for coordinating and overseeing the day to day operations of the school nurse program in nine schools throughout Dare County.

In her role as lead school nurse, she serves as a champion for programs that improve the health of our children. Dutton has been instrumental in bringing a case management program for children with chronic diseases to Dare County. This program works with the children, families, and health care provider(s) to develop a plan of care to help keep children at their optimum level of health. This in turn leads to children playing a more active role in school activities and ultimately higher academic standards. She has also worked with DCDPH and Dare County Schools staff to provide in-school influenza vaccine clinics at each elementary school for the past three years.

In addition to serving as lead school nurse, she also manages the school based dental van program to assure dental care for children who would not otherwise be able to receive dental care. Dutton maintains her school nurse national certification and has recently celebrated her 20 year anniversary with the Dare County Department of Public Health.

“Debbie is a true public health leader that understands the link between good health and strong academics. Debbie’s compassionate nature makes her not only a care provider for her students, but a listening ear and mentor. Her contributions have enhanced public health services for the entire community. It is employees like Debbie who make our organization successful,” commented health director, Anne Thomas.

For more information on the school health program, please contact Dare County Department of Public Health at (252) 475-5003.

Dutton is pictured above with health board members and staff: (from left) Steve Evans, board member; Delrene Seegot, staff; Nick Kiousis, board member; Elaine Jordan, staff; Judy Flagge, staff; and Coy Tillett, board member.