Norwalk health director named ‘SHero’ by state
NORWALK— City Health Department Director Deanna D’Amore was one of six women across the state awarded the title of “SHero” for making a positive impact on the local community during the coronavirus pandemic.
The SHero title is awarded by the Connecticut General Assembly Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity.
In honor of March being National Women’s History Month, the commission chose six women leaders, nominated by their communities, to highlight as heroes.
“These are women that have been nominated by community partners and/or legislators for demonstrating leadership in their communities during COVID-19,” according to the commission’s website. “They have made a significant contribution to our state’s COVID response by helping to mitigate its harmful impacts during this tumultuous time in Connecticut.”
Since joining the Norwalk Health Department in 2018, D’Amore has spearheaded the city’s COVID-19 response, according to the commission’s award statements.
“Her input was invaluable during the first days of the pandemic, when Norwalk was at the forefront of the crisis,” D’Amore’s award said. “Whether crunching numbers, running a vaccination clinic, testing clinic or investigating complaints of violations of the governor’s executive orders, Deanna has tirelessly worked to keep the residents of Norwalk safe.”
Mayor Harry Rilling congratulated D’Amore on the accomplishment and said the award was much deserved in his March 15 coronavirus update.
“She remains an integral part of my COVID-19 task force as we move from testing to vaccinating, and has been an invaluable asset to our community,” Rilling said. “Her expertise, experience, and judgement has helped save lives.”
The same week D’Amore was named a SHero, she helped lead a vaccination clinic at Bethel AME Church on Tuesday and is set to run a mass vaccination clinic, which will aim to vaccinate about 1,000 people, at Brien McMahon high school Saturday.
“It has been an unprecedented and challenging year for us all, and while this award highlights my efforts, I am only one part of our great team in Norwalk. We have all relied on each other throughout this crisis,” D’Amore said. “I am extremely fortunate to work with such dedicated and passionate staff members and volunteers. Local health departments across the state are filled with heroes who have been working nonstop to serve their communities.”
D’Amore expressed her excitement and pride at being given the award alongside another female leader in the Norwalk community. The Rev. Elizabeth Abel, of Cornerstone Community Church on West Avenue, was also named a SHero.
“At a time when more and more people have been finding trouble just keeping up, Pastor Liz has risen to the occasion,” Abel’s award read.