By ALFREDO ALVARADO

Public Health Nurses have distinguished themselves by their dedicated service, especially during national health crises. They've been on the frontlines battling outbreaks of polio, and diphtheria.

During World War II, they registered with the Civil Defense Corps and received training and gas masks that prepared them to cope with the threat of chemical warfare.

The Public Health Nurses performed these jobs with such fierce dedication that they were known as "the shock troops of the Public Health Department."

Local 436, the United Federation of Nurses and Epidemiologists, celebrated this rich legacy May 11 at the World Astoria Manor in Queens.

The evening brought together PHNs from throughout the city to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the datein 1902 when the Board of Health hired Lina Lavanche Rogers, the first Public Health Nurse.

"For an entire century, Public Health Nurses have done an incredible service to this city and this country," said the evening's keynote speaker, DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts. "You need to know how much your work is appreciated."

Judith Burger Arroyo, a Public Health Nurse and member of Local 436, highlighted several significant milestones in the history of their profession.

Once, the nurses even rode on city sanitation trucks to battle diphtheria.

The Professional Public Health Nurses Association was established in 1955. In 1968, after failed bargaining attempts with the city, 90 percent of the association members agreed to unionize. They joined AFSCME, DC 37's parent union, and later affiliated with DC 37.

In 1988, under the Dinkins administration, the city decided to eliminate PHNs from most schools. Local 436 fought back and won a lawsuit that required there be one PHN in every school.

During the Sept. 11 disaster, the Public Health Nurses once again rose to the occasion, setting up medical stations and working around the clock at Ground Zero.

"When that plane to the Dominican Republic went down in Belle Harbor, Queens, on Veterans Day, the central office was closed," recalled Ms. Arroyo. "But our nurses went straight to the site and set up shelters."

"This anniversary means a lot to Public Health Nurses," said Gloria E. Acevedo, president of Local 436. "Not only because we're proud of what we've accomplished, but it's also a starting point for us to continue working for more improvements in our profession."

The evening's festivities were organized with the help of Hector Coto, assistant director of DC 37's Professional Division, Council Rep Stephanie Miller, and the members of Local 436.