A veteran Dorchester activist will be honored for her work to protect public health this week.  The Massachusetts Public Health Association is presenting Davida Andelman with its 2008 Public Service Award at the organization's annual meeting tomorrow.

 The award recognizes Andelman for her "outstanding commitment and dedicated leadership on behalf of public health, environmental justice and social equality in Dorchester and Massachusetts," according to Valerie Bassett, MPHA's Executive Director.

 Andelman is currently the Director of the Lead Action Collaborative, based at The Medical Foundation in Dorchester, where she is spearheading efforts to end childhood lead poisoning in Boston by 2010.

Andelman previously spent 17 years at the Bowdoin Street Health Center, where she tackled a broad range of health issues, including expanding access to care, cleaning up hazardous waste sites, and increasing the availability of healthy food.

Andelman has also served as Co-Chair of the Boston Urban Asthma Coalition, and is a member of MPHA's Environmental & Occupational Health Section.

"Davida is a powerful and effective leader and advocate for the health of her neighborhood," said Bassett.  "Her service and accomplishments have not only made a difference in the health of Dorchester residents but also for vulnerable residents across the state."

Andelman is receiving the award at MPHA's annual meeting, "Food, Fuel, and the Future: Sustainable Strategies for Healthy Communities," on Friday, November 7, at the Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlborough.  The meeting is open to the public.  For more information, visit MPHA's web site, mphaweb.org.