Everett Radio Host Named “Public Health Hero”

Received word this morning that the Snohomish Health District has honored a local Everett Radio host as a “Public Health Hero”. Here’s the information from Suzanne Pate…

The Snohomish Health District today presented its Public Health Hero Award to Sondra Santos, morning host of The Takeaway program on KSER 90.7 FM, in Everett, Wash. The award honors individuals who have demonstrated unparalleled support of local public health activities or policies in Snohomish County.Since the Health District’s debut on The Takeaway in September 2011, Santos has hosted 47 segments devoted to educating her listeners about public health programs and services to the community. She interviewed Health District staff experts on topics that touched most aspects of community health, communicable disease, environmental health, and public health emergency preparedness.

“Sondra Santos has significantly developed the community’s understanding of local public health through her radio program,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, Director and Health Officer of the Snohomish Health District. “We commend Ms. Santos for her sustained effort, and greatly appreciate our partnership with KSER for their collaborative spirit.”

Santos interviews Snohomish Health District staff during a regular segment on The Takeaway at 8:30 a.m. on Thursdays.

Sondra’s career in broadcasting began back in her college days at Utica College of Syracuse University. She caught the broadcasting bug after taking a radio and television course, and landed an internship with ABC affiliate WUTR-TV in Utica, New York. She also hosted a radio show on college radio station 90.7 FM WPNR.

After college, she worked as a V.J. for a local music video show that aired on Long Island public access television called “Blacks in Action.”  She subsequently worked for Long Island News Tonight, and as an associate producer for News 12 Long Island.

She relocated to Seattle, worked with NWCN (Northwest Cable News) as a freelance associate producer, and was the Everett region’s Hi-Q Academic Quiz Competition Quiz Master for the 2010 season. Sondra joined the KSER 90.7 FM staff in Everett in January 2010.

For information about the work of the Snohomish Health District, please visit www.snohd.org.