Dr. Matthew & Attorney Audrey Blondin of Torrington, CT have completed their studies at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington and received their Masters of Public Health Degrees during virtual commencement activities held in Storrs on Monday, May 11th. Both Blondin’s received Certificates in Public Health in 2009 and resumed their studies in 2015. Audrey Blondin was also the recipient of the UCONN 2020 Susan S. Addiss Award in Applied Public Health Practice. This award recognizes the graduating M.P.H. student who best exemplifies the qualities of Susan Addiss: public health advocacy, leadership, demonstrated commitment to the community and academic performance. Audrey Blondin was also the recipient of the 2020 Citizen of the Law Award presented by the Connecticut Bar Association to an attorney who has made a significant contribution to a charitable or public service cause.
The Blondin’s have been active participants in VOSH for over 20 years. They began participating in VOSH missions in 1999 with VOSH-NECO in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. In 2001 they formed VOSH-Connecticut and have led yearly missions to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Over the last 20 years, they have helped to provide eye care to over 50,000 patients along with volunteer optometrists, optometry students, opticians and optical assistants, translators and many other local and resident volunteers. VOSH-Connecticut has been recognized as a VOSH Chapter of the Month and has also partnered with RAM-USA to provide eye care services to those in need in Emporia, VA in 2019.
