College of Health Sciences and Professions and UNG alumni honored at Healthy Hall Awards

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) College of Health Sciences and Professions and two UNG alumni were honored at the Feb. 25 Healthy Hall Awards.

The College of Health Sciences and Professions was selected as a finalist in outstanding healthcare education for its curriculum and programming.

"I am proud to work with a team of students, faculty and staff in the College of Health Sciences and Professions that is so dedicated to making a difference through service to our communities," said Dr. Carolynn DeSandre, interim dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professions.

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce's Healthy Hall Awards seek "to spotlight those in the healthcare industry making a significant impact on our quality of life through excellence in health and wellness," according to the chamber website.

UNG alumna Heather Burke-Cody won the Outstanding Allied Health Professional award. A nurse practitioner with The Longstreet Clinic, she earned a Master of Science with a major in family nurse practitioner from UNG in 2015. Burke-Cody also runs her own nonprofit, Everyday Good, helping families in need in Hall and Habersham counties.

Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish, '99, earned the Visionary Leader award. He heads up a drug awareness program and has been at the forefront of reducing mental health issues related to drug use and overdose. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from UNG in 1999.