Algoma Public Health has officially named this year's Public Health Champions.
Nominations for the awards closed on Nov. 20.
This year, APH wanted its award to recognize those who have gone the extra mile in helping others overcome the challenges of COVID-19. Among the recipients are Mayor Christian Provenzano, the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA, and Algoma University's Student Success and Advancement Teams.
A press release from the health unit detailing the awards and winners reads as follows:
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged individuals, businesses, and communities across Algoma. We have worked together during these times of great change and uncertainty in order to protect the health of our community and support one another.
“The Public Health Champion nomination process has shown us that the people who call Algoma home are compassionate, kind and have demonstrated community spirit in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Spruyt, Medical Officer of Health. “Over the next few weeks, we will recognize nominees and the great work they did across our great region.”
A committee made up of board Members, APH staff, Associate Medical Officer of Health and Medical Officer of Health reviewed all nominations. We are happy to announce our 2020 Public Health Champions.
Health Protection Champion
Our Health Protection Champion is someone who helped community members stay safe and healthy during this pandemic. They worked to protect the vulnerable members of society.
This year our Health Protection Champion is Leila Macumber – Serpent River First Nation.
Mental Health & Wellness Champion
Our Mental Health & Wellness Champion is a person or organization that helped combat isolation and stigma by prioritizing the wellbeing of those at risk.
This year, our Mental Health & Wellness Champion is Student Success and Advancement Teams – Algoma University.
Re-Open Safely Champion
Our Re-Open Safely Champion is someone who demonstrated extraordinary efforts (beyond provincial requirements) to ensure that Algoma workplaces were safe for re-opening.
This year, our Re-Open Safely Champion is awarded to:
o Sault Ste. Marie YMCA
o Town of Blind River
Amplifier Champion
Our Amplifier Champion is someone who shared credible information in order to increase awareness, motivate people to follow public health recommendations, and combat misinformation.
This year, our Amplifier Champion is awarded to:
o Dr. Sean Robinson and Dr. Jamileh Shaffaf and The Wawa Family Health Team
o Dr. Cathy Groh, Elliot Lake Family Health Team
o Mayor Christian Provenzano, City of Sault Ste. Marie.
All winners and nominees should be proud of the work they have done in making a difference in our community.
You are all public health champions.
