News Release Archive
HEALTH--PUBLIC HEALTH AWARDS OF NOVA SCOTIA PRESENTED TODAY
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Health Minister Jim Smith presented the 1997 Public Health Awards
of Nova Scotia today as part of the Canadian Public Health
Association 88th Annual Conference taking place July 6-9 in
Halifax.
The 1997 Public Health Awards of Nova Scotia were given to the
Kiwanis Club of Truro, Paul O'Hara of Halifax and Phyllis Sweet
of Kentville.
The Kiwanis Club of Truro was recognized for its commitment to
the health and well-being of Truro residents and visitors by
maintaining Kiwanis Park for 25 years. The two-hectare
(five-acre) park in the community's west end has contributed
greatly to people's health. Accepting the award on behalf of the
Kiwanis Club was Hattie Dyke.
Mr. O'Hara is currently the vice-chair of the Metro Non-Profit
Housing Association. He has worked for many years addressing
housing issues and has had a leadership role in promoting safe
environments through proper housing. Most of his work has been in
the north end of Halifax.
Ms. Sweet is a public health nurse who has made an outstanding
contribution in the area of sex education, particularly as it
relates to youth. She played a key role in establishing the Red
Door Adolescent Health and Support Centre in Kentville which has
served as a model for similar centres provincially and
nationally. Ms. Sweet also helped to organize the first Atlantic
Sexuality Conference.
"Promoting good health is a shared responsibility between
government, non-profit, non-government organizations and the
community," said the minister. "The Public Health Awards are an
excellent opportunity to recognize and congratulate those
individuals and organizations committed to enhancing the health
of Nova Scotians."
The 1997 recipients were selected from nominations made by
members of the Public Health Association of Nova Scotia and the
public. Nominations are evaluated using criteria that included
the nominee's contribution to a healthy environment, a healthy
economy and a healthy community.
"Public health is the coming together of a healthy environment, a
healthy economy and a healthy community," said Marjorie Willison,
president of the Public Health Association of Nova Scotia. "So
all of us, in our everyday lives, have a part to play in making
the public healthy."
The Public Health Association of Nova Scotia has sponsored the
Public Health Awards of Nova Scotia since 1996.
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Contact: Marjorie Willison
Public Health Association of Nova Scotia
902-477-6102
Sue McKeage
Department of Health
902-424-3581
jlw July 7, 1997 1:55 p.m.
