University of Kentucky College of Public Health assistant professor in the department of preventive medicine and environmental health, Dr. Susan Pollock, was recently honored as a 2015 Public Health Hero by the Lexington-Fayette County [Kentucky] Health Department. The award, given annually, is presented to individuals who demonstrate a dedication to improving the health of community citizens.

Dr. Pollock is the coordinator of the Pediatric and Adolescent Injury Prevention Program at the Kentucky Injury and Prevention Center, which is housed in the College of Public Health. A board certified physician in pediatrics and occupational medicine, Dr. Pollock teaches in both the College of Public Health and the Pediatrics department of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Additionally, she assists with the Child Care Health Consultant Program, promoting healthy child development in safe environments, and serves on the Child Fatality Review committee for the local and state departments for public health.

Dr. Pollock has been a strong advocate of revisions to state booster seat laws and has worked to improve child care programs in the state – she considers these to be her most important contributions to child safety.

“It’s an incredible honor,” said Dr. Pollock of the award.  “I’m really proud of how much working together has made things possible, even when resources were scarce.”