Nominate a Public Health Hero: Shawnee Co. Health Department’s 2025 Champion Award Seeking Your Recommendations!

Topeka, Kan. — The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) is accepting nominations for its annual Public Health Champion awards. These awards celebrate one individual and one organization making a real difference in health equity and community well-being in Topeka and Shawnee County.

Award recipients are chosen for their efforts to improve social and economic factors affecting health, like housing, education, and access to healthy food. These champions actively create positive change, ensuring everyone has fair opportunities for a healthy life.

Here are some ways individuals or organizations might qualify for the awards:

• Advocating for local health policies
• Volunteering in health initiatives
• Supporting community health through donations
• Enhancing the local environment sustainably

Teresa Fisher, director of SCHD, highlighted the importance of recognizing those leading efforts to build healthier communities.

Nominations are open online, and you can find the form on the SCHD website, as well as on their social media. If you prefer a paper form, you can request one.

The SCHD Management Team will review all nominations. Award winners will be celebrated at the Annual Shawnee County Community Conversation on August 15 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.

In recent years, public health initiatives have gained a broader focus, emphasizing not just medical care but overall quality of life. According to a recent report from the CDC, social determinants of health strongly impact health outcomes, highlighting the need for community-driven solutions.

Engaging community members in these efforts has also sparked online conversations. Social media platforms are buzzing with stories of local heroes working tirelessly for health equity. People are sharing their experiences, recognizing one another’s contributions, and inspiring further action.

For those interested in broader health equity efforts, the CDC’s Social Determinants of Health webpage provides a wealth of information and resources.

This year’s awards are more than a recognition; they are a celebration of the vital work happening every day in our community.

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