Heroes in Health Awards presented at 10th annual Health Conference
SAULT STE. MARIE – The Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes in Health Awards were presented on the second day of the Nimaaji-toomin Maamwii (We Are On This Journey Together) Health Conference held in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., from October 22 to 24, 2024. The award is named after the late Tony Jocko-baa who worked tirelessly for the Anishinabek Nation as a Federal Health Policy Analyst.
Northern Superior Regional Chief Melvin Hardy was on-hand to present the awards to three deserving healthcare professionals.
Ashley Middaugh, Whitefish River First Nation
Ashley is a Community Health Nurse for Serpent River First Nation. She is from Whitefish River First Nation and has worked with Serpent River First Nation for the past six years. Ashley is a very caring and compassionate person who has a strong work ethic and continuously goes above and beyond her role. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked relentlessly to provide vaccinations to community members. She worked long hours to ensure community members were safe and provided advocacy to members who needed to access external services. Ashley was instrumental in networking with Algoma Public Health to ensure proper communication was coming into the community and that vaccinations were being prioritized.
Ashley oversees health promotions events that have her working after hours and sometimes on weekends to keep the community informed on issues such as Diabetes and Heart Disease. She continues to support community members after hours with advice and guidance, and always gives 100 per cent of her time. She is a dedicated individual who cares for the community she serves.
Ashley continues to be an advocate for community members who are going through difficult times with drug addiction, recovery. She provides resources to those that are in crisis. Ashley definitely has the team approach to helping her fellow co-workers with clinical services and programming. Ashley loves working for and with our Elders, taking the time to go out and visit, and listen to their concerns and issues.
Lauren Dewar, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Lauren is a Registered Nurse and Clinical Team Lead for Mnaamodzawin Health Services. The words that follow are simply not enough and are meagre in comparison to the joy and sincerity that Lauren brings to her co-workers, clients, communities, and agency.
Lauren first joined Mnaamodzawin Health Services as the Maternal and Child Health Nurse for the Healthy Babies, Healthy Communities Program in December 2016. She came from a background in clinical care at Health Sciences North having worked in the ICU and surgical care unit. She was a great Maternal and Child Health Nurse. Her mothering instinct was natural and complimented her nursing skills and charisma. She forged relationships with her clients and community health workers. Lauren was thorough, friendly, and non-judgemental.
During this time, she had the good fortune of sharing an office with a fellow co-worker who was fluent in Anishinaabemowin. Lauren soaked up the language and is a champion in our agency. She is a member of our Aadziiwin Committee and has a key role in planning Mnaamodzawin’s annual Culture and Language Camp, an immersive two-day event where staff play games, do crafts, and learn the Ojibwe language. If you need help with a phrase or word in Ojibwe, then Lauren is one of the people to ask.
In October 2020, with the restructuring of Mnaamodzawin’s Home Care department, Lauren became the Clinical Team Lead, primarily responsible for ensuring seamless patient transition from hospital discharge to care at home, amongst many other duties and responsibilities. In this Team Lead role and in previous nursing roles, Lauren goes above and beyond her duties. She has been known to work on her days off, check in on clients because she’s driving by, deliver equipment over the weekend to last minute discharges, and even provide healthcare in questionable circumstances, a situation that Lauren calls ‘cowboy nursing’.
In her personal life, Lauren is a mother of two, a wife, a sister, a daughter, and amongst other things, a friend. She is a volunteer for several community committees and even volunteers as a nurse at summer camp. She is a baker, seller of Tupperware, queen of girl’s weekends, and knows how to tell a great story and enjoy life. At Mnaamodzawin, Lauren is a registered nurse, our Team Lead, our sense of humour, our confidante and our friend. Mnaamodzawin Health Services values her input, kindness, and dedication every day. Honouring Lauren recognizes her unwavering commitment to community health and wellness for many years. Her dedication has had a profound and lasting impact on countless individuals, embodying the true spirit of service and commitment.
Stella Solomon, Nipissing First Nation
As a Community Wellness Worker at the Lawrence Commanda Health Centre in Nipissing First Nation, Stella runs one of the cornerstone programs. She has championed is the Diner’s Club, a vital initiative that feeds over 75 people aged 55 and up each month. This program not only provides nourishing meals but also fosters a sense of belonging and community. Stella’s tireless work ethic ensures that no detail is overlooked, and every aspect of the program runs smoothly.
Stella has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of community members, always going above and beyond to ensure that no one is left behind. Whether through hard work behind the scenes or direct interaction with members, she always gets the job done leaving no stone unturned and with a deep sense of purpose.
In addition to the services and programs, she sees immense value in volunteers, recognizing their contributions as essential to the success of community initiatives. She not only provides opportunities for volunteers to get involved but also celebrates them annually with a dedicated dinner in their honour—highlighting the importance of their efforts and expressing gratitude for their time and energy.
Likewise, Stella is passionate about health education, regularly organizing workshops focused on diabetes management and living a healthy lifestyle. Through these sessions, she empowers participants with valuable knowledge and practical tools to improve their quality of life.
Stella’s contributions extend beyond adults; Stella is equally invested in the youth of the community. Each year, she organizes a highly successful youth Amazing Race, which provides young people with a full day of fun, learning, and teamwork. Activities such as canoeing, cooking, and team challenges culminate in sharing a meal, celebrating the spirit of collaboration and joy that the event fosters.
Her contributions have enriched our community in countless ways, making her a true health champion and an inspiration to all.