The Monroe County Health Department is proud to announce Jesse Todd and Mykala Gousby as the 2026 recipients of the Friends of Public Health Award. This annual recognition honors individuals and organizations that make exceptional contributions to the health and well-being of Monroe County residents.
Jesse Todd, Executive Director of Family Promise of the Great Rivers, and Mykala Gousby, Community Health Worker and Shelter Manager, were selected for their outstanding dedication to serving homeless and low-income families throughout the county. Family Promise’s mission is to help families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response, with a vision centered on preventing homelessness, providing shelter, and supporting long-term housing stability.
Family Promise works daily with families experiencing housing crises, offering compassion, practical resources, and a path toward stability. Their close partnership with the Monroe County Health Department ensures that families have access to coordinated services and support during challenging times.
The work led by Jesse and Mykala directly supports Monroe County’s Community Health Improvement Plan, which identifies access to safe and affordable housing as a key public health priority. Stable housing is a critical social determinant of health, influencing employment, education, access to healthcare, and overall well-being.
“We are profoundly grateful for the outstanding services Jesse and Mykala provide to families in our community,” said Dawn Jacobson, Monroe County Health Director. “Their dedication strengthens the health of our entire county, and the support they offer fills a vital gap in addressing the social determinants of health that shape the everyday lives of the families we serve.”
The Monroe County Health Department congratulates Jesse Todd and Mykala Gousby on this well-deserved honor and thanks them for their leadership, compassion, and commitment to improving the future of Monroe County.
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