Award Named in Local Health Advocate's Honor

About Isabel P. Ruiz

"She is a true humanitarian." The Tribune, June 4, 2007

Isabel P. Ruiz came to America in 1973 as a medical doctor (OB/GYN) trained in her native Peru. She is described as a leader, an instrument of change and a tremendously caring individual who is committed to advocacy and community. She has worked tirelessly as an advocate for local women and for the Latino community. Her philosophy has always been to "be the bridge" whenever opportunities arise to help an individual become more self sufficient.

In her professional life in San Luis Obispo County, Ruiz has been the director of EOC Health Services, clinic manager of Community Health Centers, and a social worker for the County Health Dept. She also supports many organizations in a volunteer capacity, including the boards of the French Hospital Medical Center, the American Cancer Society and the Oceano Community Center. She is an active member of the Latino Outreach Council, a leader in her church and in her community. In 2001, Ruiz was given the Cuesta College Women of Distinction Award for Progress for Women. Mrs. Ruiz passed away in July 2009.

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Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award

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Sept 8, 2009 Award Presentation

2009 Award Recipient Lidia Arango McCune

Honored for her outstanding efforts as Latino Program Coordinator for Hospice of SLO County, Lidia is pictured with David Ruiz (Isabel's son) and Napoleon Ruiz (Isabel's husband)

The Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award annually recognizes and rewards a local individual for outstanding efforts in advocacy and caring for local people in San Luis Obispo County. This award is also designed to highlight and encourage those who follow in Mrs. Ruiz's footsteps to remain committed to community organizing and advocacy to improve the lives of everyone in San Luis Obispo County.

For more information about the Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award, contact Janice Fong Wolf, Director of Grants and Programs at (805)543-2323 or jwolf@sloccf.org