Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit (NEPMU) 5 earned the Blue "H," Navy Surgeon General's Health Promotion and Wellness Award, Gold Star, June 5, for the seventh consecutive year.

The Blue "H," managed by the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC), encourages and rewards the promotion of primary prevention policies and activities in the Department of the Navy (DON) workplaces, communities, and medical treatment facilities that are critical to maintaining a fit and ready force.

"We are committed to promoting healthy lifestyles for our Sailors and Marines," said Cmdr. Shelton Lyons, officer in charge, NEPMU 5. "I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication that our staff has put into organizing activities and providing health and wellness education throughout the workplace and community. This award is a reflection of that and it is truly an honor to be recognized."

The Blue "H" award recognizes excellence in clinical primary prevention services, community health promotion and medical staff health. The award assesses health topics such as alcohol abuse prevention, injury prevention, nutrition, physical activity, psychological health, sexual health, tobacco cessation, and weight management.

"While leading the health promotion team through a new year, it's nice to see them grow in knowledge and skills when delivering the needed health information to the community, but even more exciting to see their community efforts acknowledged and rewarded," said Dr. Regina Pointer, NEPMU 5 public health educator.

NEPMU 5 has fostered a culture that highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle choices by taking the lead in conducting health fairs across the enterprise and expanding services on both shore and fleet commands. They also provide wellness information resources through educational outreach initiatives, thus further engaging the population they serve.

"It is truly rewarding to win another Blue 'H' gold award," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Byron Hewitt, NEMPU 5 threat assessment department leading petty officer. "Every year, we try to reinvent the criteria to make it more exciting and beneficial to not only the 21st-century Sailor, but to those who also provide support such as our civilian personnel. We are only doing our jobs; however, when you involve yourself in health promotion, you have to practice what you preach and be an advocate for this very important program."

"The Blue 'H' topics are a great way to help guide Sailors in smart, healthy lifestyle decision making," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Seth Johnson.

NEPMU 5 continues to set the bar high and consistently demonstrates overall excellence in health promotion. Their passion for working towards improving quality of life is remarkable and has greatly contributed to military readiness.

"Winning the Blue 'H' award is the culmination of all the hard work the threat assessment department and our command have done," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marshall Benoit. "It feels good when hard work pays off. I am so proud of my department and my command."

For more information regarding NEPMU 5, visit http://www.nepmu5.med.navy.mil.
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For more news from Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, visit www.navy.mil/.