Olsen named 2010 Champion in Women's Health

WITC Associate Degree –
Nursing instructor Jeanette Olsen has recently been named the 2010 Champion in
Women’s Health award recipient for her work with women in the area of Rural
Women’s Health.

(1/18/10): Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Associate Degree – Nursing instructor Jeanette Olsen has recently been named the 2010 Champion in Women’s Health award recipient for her work with women in the area of Rural Women’s Health.

“I was initially very surprised,” said Olsen. “Dr. Jane Kotchen nominated me primarily for work that was done as part of the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program grant in Cumberland, Wis. She was our academic partner and I was the project director during the three-year initiative. I feel very privileged to have been a part of the grant project (Healthier Cumberland) and certainly feel that our success was due to our partnerships.”

Sue Ann Thompson, president and founder of the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation, found Olsen to be an exemplary leader in promoting the quality of life for Wisconsin women and their families. Her support upholds the pillars of the Foundation’s efforts and is truly instrumental in raising the level of care and awareness for women’s health issues now and into the future.

“I am very honored to receive the award and it motivates me to want to work even harder to improve health in our area,” Olsen said. “I am excited to be able to do this by continuing to volunteer with Healthier Cumberland, working as a reserve nurse at Cumberland Memorial Hospital and teaching nursing at WITC.”

“Jeanette is just terrific,” said Mary Ann Pebler, Divisional Dean of Allied Health at WITC. “Obviously, we are lucky to have her!”

Olsen is also appreciative of the hard work and support of the Healthier Cumberland partners: 3M Cumberland, Augustana Lutheran Church, the Cumberland School District, and Cumberland Memorial Hospital, as well as many community volunteers and participants.

“I'd also like to thank Mary Jean Jergenson, who wrote the grant and served as both the primary community contact and health coach; Dr. Jane Kotchen, our academic partner; Beth Narges, project assistant; and all of the health coaches,” Olsen said. She also acknowledges WITC instructors Clare Janty and Kathy Riemer for their work on the project.

Olsen received her award during a private reception in May in Madison.

About WITC

Olsen named 2010 Champion in Women's Health