Nominations sought for Hometown Health Hero awards

One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan has seen no shortage of health heroes. Many of them will be recognized in May.

Hometown Health Hero awards are presented every spring as part of Michigan Public Health Week. By building connections, communities become healthier, safer and better for all. The daily themes this week are:

• Monday: Rebuilding

• Tuesday: Advancing Racial Equity

• Wednesday: Strengthening Community

• Thursday: Galvanizing Climate Justice

• Friday: Constructing COVID-19 Resilience

• Saturday: Uplifting Mental Health and Wellness

Nominations of individuals and organizations are now being sought.

“Everyone deserves to live a long and healthy life in a safe environment,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “Hometown Health Hero awards are an opportunity to honor those tackling important public health threats and promoting the health of their communities.”

Nomination forms can be downloaded from Michigan.gov/mphw. Completed nominations should be sent to Jim Koval via email at kovalj@michigan.gov or faxed to 517-335-8392 by April 26.

Awards will be shipped directly to winners in May.

The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership consists of the following organizations: Grand Valley State University, Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Association for Local Public Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Health Improvement Alliance, Inc., Michigan Public Health Association, Michigan Public Health Institute, Michigan State University, University of Michigan School of Public Health and Wayne State University.