ANTONITO — San Luis Valley native Justin Garoutte is listed among the second list of “40 Under 40 in Public Health” announced Tuesday by the de Beaumont Foundation. 

Garoutte, originally from Antonito and is with the New Mexico Environment Department, is recognized as a rising leader who is improving the health of communities across the country. The new honorees include epidemiologists, emergency responders, researchers, and policy analysts in state and local health departments, colleges and universities, and nonprofit organizations. 

“At a time when public health professionals are being required to adapt and take on monumental challenges, we are incredibly proud of these leaders,” said Brian C. Castrucci, DrPH, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation. “We created the 40 Under 40 program to recognize and tell the stories of rising leaders who are making a difference in communities across the country. By promoting their work and accomplishments, we hope to attract and inspire a new generation of leaders.” 

A distinguished panel of public health leaders evaluated applicants for their leadership and impact on their community’s health. The de Beaumont Foundation announced the first class of 40 Under 40 in May 2019.   

“Public health practitioners have always operated behind the scenes,” Dr. Castrucci said, “but as we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, public health has become top of mind, which creates an opportunity to recognize their vital work and show that public health is an exciting, rewarding, and meaningful career.”   

For more information about the honorees and their accomplishments, visit www.debeaumont.org/40Under40.