Press Releases (2010)

Elkhart Resident Receives Lugar Health and Fitness Award
October 5, 2010

On Saturday, September 18, U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar honored Diana Montiel of Elkhart for her commitment to health and fitness with the Dick Lugar Health and Fitness Award, presented as part of the 32nd Annual Dick Lugar Community Run, walk.  Lugar's wife, Char, announced the recipients while the Senator handed out the awards.

As the Community Outreach and Interpreter Coordinator at Elkhart General Hospital, Montiel serves the underserved population as well as business health clients.  In 2007, Montiel helped create the "Dame Tu Mano (DTM)" or "Give me Your Hand" program to meet the challenges and opportunities afforded by a diverse constituency.  She has been a key player in representing Elkhart General's long term commitment to improving the health status of the Hispanic/Latino Community.  The DTM program publishes a bi-weekly health article encouraging healthy lifestyles and providing health education  This information reaches 9,000 people through "El Puente Newspaper" and more than 30,000 through radio in Elkhart, Noble and St. Joseph Counties.

Additionally, Montiel assists DTM through a Spanish helpline where people can call with health questions.  She helps DTM offer a support group for diabetics and also facilitates community workshops where people come to learn more about nutrition and exercise and receive health screenings.  As the Community Outreach Director for Back 2 School Elkhart, she also helps serve approximately 4,000 children with backpacks, school supplies, clothing, food, hair cuts, immunizations and school physicals.  She is also the volunteer medical interpreter for the Center for Healing and Hope.

The Dick Lugar Health and Fitness Award, given in memory of Ray Sears, was established in 1984 to honor Hoosiers who have made outstanding contributions in promoting fitness and health.  Ray Sears, a friend of Lugar's and a 1985 award winner, died in April 1989.  Lugar presents the award each year in honor of Sear's life and commitment to physical fitness and health.

The other 2010 recipient was Tri-County YMCA, which serves Dubois, Spencer and Perry counties in Southwest Indiana, for their contribution to the health and wellness of Hoosiers in Southwest Indiana.

The 32nd Annual Dick Lugar Community Run, Walk was held on the campus of Butler University.  In conjunction with the event, Lugar hosted the annual Health Fair at the Butler University Health and Recreation Complex on Saturday, September 18.  This year's Health Fair was sponsored by St. Vincent Health and featured more than 50 vendors offering health information and 15 different health screenings.

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Information received from:
Press Contact: Wayne Stanley
Office of Senator Dick Lugar
Phone: (202) 224-7927
Email: wayne_stanley@lugar.senate.gov