Algoma Public Health announced its Public Health Champions for 2024 prior to its board of health meeting Wednesday.
The annual award is given to an individual or organization that has helped protect and promote community health in Algoma.
Steve Hemsworth, Prince Township Volunteer Fire Department chief won in the individual category while the Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (OAHAS) won in the organization category.
Caio Schuurhuis, OAHAS team supervisor accepted the award on behalf of that organization.
The awards were presented by Dr. John Tuinema, APH acting medical officer of health and Suzanne Trivers, APH board chair.
“As the volunteer fire chief in Prince Township, Steve has committed countless hours to promoting public safety through his leadership and public education programs. He ensures that residents are well informed about fire safety and emergency preparedness. Steve also prioritizes engaging with youth, encouraging the next generation to actively participate in community safety and well-being,” Trivers said in an address to staff and board members gathered at the APH building on Willow Avenue.
Hemsworth is known in Prince Township as a supporter of outdoor recreation and its role in promoting physical and mental health.
“His contributions extend to volunteering with the outdoor rink, where he assists with maintenance and ensures it remains a safe, accessible space for everyone to enjoy. Steve embodies a service that transcends the boundaries of his official role. His outreach efforts touch every corner of the community from hosting safety workshops to offering personalized assistance to residents in need. For these reasons and so many more, Steve is truly deserving of recognition as a health champion,” Trivers said.
The Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide culturally respectful and sensitive programs and strategies to respond to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic among Indigenous people in Ontario through prevention, treatment, long-term care and support initiatives.
“Their compassionate harm reduction team is made up of four individuals who are all people of colour and who have lived experience. They are the only Indigenous HIV/AIDS program across Ontario that focuses on prevention and culture as a way of connecting our community to their needs. OAHAS works from the bottom up and helps folks where they are at in their journey,” Trivers said.
The full text of an Algoma Public Health release follows:
Algoma Public Health announced its Public Health Champions for 2024 at its most recent Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 26th.
This annual award, now in its seventh year, is given to an individual or organization that has helped protect and promote community health and advance health equity in Algoma, whether through leading, collaborating, innovating, or fostering health opportunities for all. A selection committee made up of Board Members, APH staff, and the Acting Medical Officer of Health reviewed all nominations. This year, the 2024 Public Health Champions were awarded to:
- Individual Category: Steve Hemsworth, Prince Township
- Organization Category: Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (OAHAS)
“This year’s champions are truly remarkable in the work that they do. Although different in terms of focus – their work helps keep us healthy and is paramount to the communities that they serve. On behalf of Algoma Public Health, we are grateful for their tireless effort and want to thank them for the work they do in making Algoma a healthier place to live,” said Dr. John Tuinema, Acting Medical Officer of Health.
Past Champions include:
2023
- Shawna Mornix
- Sault Community Career Centre
- New Northern Mentality
2022
- Connie Raynor-Elliott (Save Our Young Adults)
- Harvest Algoma (United Way)
2021
- PUC Services Inc.
- Lisa Vezeau-Allen - Grocers 4 Good (G4G)
- Beau Neveau (Batchewana First Nation Health Centre - Non Dway Gamig
For a complete list of previous Public Health Champions visit: algomapublichealth.com/champions