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PHANS awards the Public Health Champion Award each year at the PHANS AGM. This is an honour intended to recognize an individual or organization who has demonstrated excellence in leadership, innovation and commitment to improving the health of Nova Scotians.
MARIE McCULLY COLLIER POPULATION and PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENT AWARD
This award is presented to a part time or full time student who demonstrates a passion for public health as well as leadership in the field.
Jane Stevenson is a Dietetic Intern from Lyons Brook, Nova Scotia. She graduated from Human Nutrition program at StFX in May 2017. Her main areas of interest include food security, health policy, and working with aging populations. Notable achievements include receiving the President's Gold Medal Award, the Sir James Dunn scholarship for demonstrating leadership in nutritional care of the elderly, and public speaking awards through her involvement in 4-H. During her time at StFX, Jane was involved in a number activities on campus. She held the role of staff writer for the student newspaper, volunteered at the Student Food Resource Centre, and was president of the StFX 4-H Society.
Last summer, Jane completed the community practicum of her dietetic internship working at public health in New Glasgow. Through this placement, she facilitated various community programs including a Community Food Mentor program, a community garden, and creating a healthy eating manual and training program for Pictou County recreation staff.
Jane has been a member of PHANS since November 2016, and is the chair of the Membership and Communication Working Group. Future plans include continuing to work toward her Registered Dietitian certification.
Dr. Lois Jackson is a researcher and professor of health promotion at the Dalhousie University School of Health and Human Performance. She completed her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and PhD at the University of Toronto. Her main areas of interest include health promotion, social determinants of health, harm reduction, marginalized populations, and rural women's health. Notable achievements include the Dalhousie University Faculty of Health Professions Patricia Cleave Award for Outstanding Leadership in 2016, the Dalhousie Faculty of Health Professions Research Excellence Award in 2011, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Investigator Award, Regional Partnership Program. Lois has contributed tremendously to reducing health inequities among marginalized populations, and continues to be an asset to the Public Health community.
Colleen embodies the principles of developmental leadership, always seeking to work with others and build capacity for collective leadership. She shows exemplary commitment to improving community health, as demonstrated in her 40+ years in the areas of community development for health, adult education, and social justice initiatives. She sees her role as a facilitator and agent of change; always believing in the power of community in determining one’s own health. As chair of the Antigonish Affordable Housing Society, and co-chair of Voices Antigonish, she has enacted change through the development of affordable housing units, the Good Food Box program, and installation of over 30 raised beds for community gardening.
Mainline Needle Exchange was established in 1992, and since that time has been an outstanding, exemplary leader in providing health promotion services to people currently or formerly using drugs. Through educational activities Mainline is also committed to raising awareness of addictions as a health issue, and to educating the public about the importance of needle exchanges. They also assist with access to food, help clients navigate complex health and legal systems, and provide ongoing support.
Janet's dedication to widespread growth of the public health profession is evident through her work with various Canadian Public Health Association and American Public Health Association initiatives; federal, territorial, and provincial projects; academic partner strategy alliances; and her continuous support of learning and development of public health professionals.