Georgia Department of Public Health’s South Health District’s Emergency Preparedness Director Lauren Bewley received the Michael Terwilliger Community Preparedness Leadership Award on November 15.

The award is named for Michael Terwilliger who served as South Health District’s Emergency Coordinator from 2002 to 2013. Mike was a staunch believer in developing community partnerships as a successful way to prepare his community. Mike passed suddenly a few years ago and this award is presented at the statewide Georgia Department of Public Health Emergency Coordination meeting in his name every year.  

The Michael Terwilliger Community Preparedness Leadership Award recognizes those individuals who have embodied the spirit of Mike’s work by establishing and/or furthering effective partnerships and collaboration related to preparedness and response activities within the public health and healthcare communities.  

“Lauren exemplifies the spirit of the award, and of Mike’s work, through her leadership within our district and her commitment to forming partnerships that help us serve and protect our communities during times of emergency. We are proud to have Lauren as part of our team and are honored to bring the Michael Terwilliger award back home,” said District Health Director Dr. William R. Grow.