Santa Cruz County Health Officials to Receive Prestigious 2021 Pen/Benenson Courage Award

PEN America announced they will honor Santa Cruz County Health Services Director Mimi Khin Hall and Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel with their 2021 Pen/Benenson Courage Award. The award is given to those individuals who exhibit exceptional acts of courage in the exercise of freedom of expression. Ms. Hall and Dr. Newel’s leadership gained national attention after they spoke openly about the threats they faced as a result of the data and science-based mitigation measures they implemented to protect the health and wellbeing of their community. They will accept the award at the PEN America Literary Gala on October 5, 2021, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. CHEAC extends their congratulations to both Ms. Hall and Dr. Newel.