14-05-2025
Wise Co. nurse named Virginia's Public Health Nurse of the Year
WISE COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — A Southwest Virginia nurse has been recognized by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) as the state's Public Health Nurse of the Year.
The VDH and LENOWISCO Health District announced on Wednesday that Joie Cantrell, a nurse with the Wise County Health Department, was selected for the award.
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Cantrell has worked with the VDH for more than 35 years in different public health roles.
The department stated in a news release that Cantrell has spent years advocating for policies and practices that help marginalized communities like those struggling with homelessness or substance abuse.
The release states that Cantrell has directly contributed to reducing the number of overdose deaths in her community and works continually to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
She has worked in home health, maternal and child health, tuberculosis outreach, disease prevention and treatment and more.
'Joie exemplifies what a nurse truly is,' Reisa Sloce, director of the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts, stated in the release. 'She provides comfort and compassion for those who are in her care no matter their circumstances. Joie is passionate about her work, and it is clearly reflected in her care of patients.'
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