McMINNVILLE, Ore. — Local pediatrician Dr. Margaret (Peg) Miller has been awarded the first YCCO Children’s Hero Award. The award recognizes a local community member for their commitment to preventing child abuse and improving the lives of children in the community. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and this award kicks off a month of not only building awareness, but celebrating the work already happening in the community to support families and make the community safer for children. Jenn Richter, Early Learning Administrator, says “Our most important work is building the resilience of children and their families, and there are dozens of agencies and individuals who are making great strides in this field. Peg sets a wonderful example.”
Dr. Peg Miller is a pediatric hospitalist at Willamette Valley Medical Center and the Medical Director at Juliette’s House. Juliette’s House is a child abuse prevention and intervention center with a goal of reducing trauma for children by coordinating services. Peg was also a founding partner and provider at Physicians’ Medical Center and serves as an advisory board member at A Family Place, which is a relief nursery offering respite support for families, specialized classrooms, parent education, and home visitation. Of her work, Russell Mark, President/CEO of Juliette’s House, says “Abuse assessment is challenging, sensitive work which requires specialized training, continuing education, empathetic communication, an ability to work closely with community partners, and time away from one’s practice for both urgent and scheduled abuse assessments or testifying when subpoenaed to court. It demands a dedicated and compassionate heart.”
Not only is Peg involved in that myriad of work, she also volunteers and offers trainings around the county to promote healthy parenting. As “a passionate advocate,” Peg is a common presence at community events and meetings, sharing her expertise and championing the cause of trauma-informed care. She recently delivered YCCO’s best-attended Continuing Medical Education event, on the topic of trauma, and is an invaluable resource to the community on Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Finally, Mark put it best, saying “Overall, Peg is committed to justice and well-being across cultures for vulnerable children, and rallying the community to help children grow up safer, healthier and whole.” Yamhill County is lucky to have Peg, as well as the hundreds of other local individuals who work, either professionally or personally, to improve the lives and well-being of children and families.
For information, contact Jenn Richter at jrichter@yamhillcco.org or 503-376-7421