BY FLORENCE GILKESON

Senior Writer

The public health nurse who captained Moore County's response to the H1N1 flu pandemic has received state recognition.

Patty Kempton, communicable disease nurse with the health department, was presented the Communicable Disease Program Spirit Award from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Public Health.

County Health Director Robert Wittmann told the county commissioners at a recent meeting that Kempton received numerous nominations for this award from colleagues at the local and state levels.

Kempton is the health department's only communicable disease nurse.

"She is dedicated to her job and patients, and often works after hours to ensure the public's health is protected," Wittmann said. "During last fall's H1N1 pandemic, Patty served as incident commander for the health department's response."

Wittmann said the response involved offering school-based vaccinations to all schoolchildren in the county.

"Her leadership inspired the team of public and private providers to overcome significant obstacles in responding to a major communicable disease event," Wittmann said.

In nominating her for the award, her colleagues also cited Kempton's professionalism, efficiency and knowledge in responding to numerous other communicable disease incidents, such as tuberculosis, pertussis and norovirus.

She was recognized as a role model for other communicable disease nurses across the state.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at florence@thepilot.com.