August 9, 2021
(Alexandria, VA) – The Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria (CCNA) is awarding NatalieTalis and Allen Lomax, both Alexandria health officials, with its 2021 Community ChangeMakers salute. This award is in recognition of their outstanding work in helping to develop the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and for leading the continuing community wide fight against COVID 19.
Natalie Talis is Population Health Manager for the city’s Health Department and Allen Lomax is a Consultant who chairs the Steering Committee Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria.
“The efforts from you and your colleagues are life-saving and clearly making a difference for our Alexandria citizens. Thank you!” said CCNA Board Chair Herve Aiken.
CCNA’s annual award acknowledges citizens who are making a difference in the community. Previous ChangeMakers awardees include ACPS Superintendent, Dr. Gregory Hutchings, Jr., Father Donald Fest of St Joseph Catholic Church and CCNA Board Member, Tavares Floyd, Esq.
“I join with CCNA to salute Natalie Talis and Allen Lomax for their great work in producing our Community Health Improvement Plan and leading a community wide fight against the virus,” said City Councilman John Chapman.
Dr. Ruth Woods, President of the Alexandria Optimists Club and a CCNA Board Member, said she knows both will “continue this work for all of Alexandria.”
Both Natalie and Allen are members of various community services committees.
“Natalie continues to work tirelessly for the most vulnerable populations in our community,” said Jacqueline Tucker, Alexandria’s Race and Social Equity Officer. “Her leadership and consistency have allowed her to guide the Alexandria Health Department’s outreach throughout the pandemic in a way that embodies the principles of All Alexandria. It has been an honor to watch Natalie work and this award is well deserved,” added Tucker.
Similar praises herald Allen’s work. Heather Peeler, President & CEO of ACT for Alexandria, calls Allen “a tireless champion for the health and well being of all Alexandrians. Thanks to his commitment and passion, Alexandria has a Community Health Improvement Plan that is inclusive and visionary.”
Calling herself “humbled to receive this honor and join a fantastic group of past honorees who continue to lead change in Alexandria,” Natalie Talis also noted she is “thrilled to be sharing this recognition with Allen, who I have learned so much from and am grateful to work with.
Thank you very much for this recognition.”
Not usually at a loss for words, Allen Lomax said this honor “leaves me almost speechless to be one of the recipients of CCNA’s Community ChangeMakers Award.” The full credit, he said, goes to “the Partnership Steering Committee and all the community members who put in many hours to develop the CHIP who really deserve the award.”
Pleased to be sharing the award, he called Natalie “wonderful to work with, to collaborate with and to share ideas with and partner with on new things. Plus, along with working with me and community members to develop the CHIP, Natalie worked many, many long hours trying to protect our community from COVID-19.”
By recognizing Natalie and Allen, this award acknowledges the dedication and hard work of all who gave tirelessly to complete the CHIP and battle COVID.
CCNA’s award presentation is scheduled for Monday, August 23, 6-7 PM EST. Mayor Justin Wilson and School Superintendent Dr. Gregory Hutchings Jr. will be featured speakers.
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About CCNA
Founded in 2009, Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria (CCNA) is nonprofit organization in Alexandria VA whose mission is to help increase student achievement and to help reduce the dropout rate in Alexandria City Public Schools. It is also an advocate for social justice and equity, which includes COVID 19. For more information, please visit ccnalexandria.org.
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