There are more ways than ever to recognize health leaders in northern B.C. at the 2013 Healthier You awards.
The annual event, sponsored by the Citizen, MLA Shirley Bond and the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society recognizes the contribution of health leaders from around the region.
Two new categories have been added, bringing the total to 12 awards, which will be handed out at a gala on Nov. 16 at UNBC's Bentley Centre. The deadline to nominate potential winners in each category is Tuesday.
New this year is a healthy workplace for small business category, sponsored by the New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia. It will honour a business with 50 or fewer employees that has developed workplace programs that have contributed to the health and wellness of its employees.
A mental health in the workplace category has also been added to recognize an individual, company or organization that has helped to enhance mental health in a workplace.
The other 10 award categories were unchanged from last year.
Four of the awards fall under the health and wellness banner, which are given to people, companies or organizations who have worked to improve the health and wellness of the region in different ways.
The health and wellness advocate of the year is sponsored by Northern Health. The health and wellness innovator of the year award is sponsored by Spectra Energy. The health and wellness educator of the year is sponsored by CNC and there is also a health and wellness provider of the year award.
Three awards fall into the initiative subsection and relate to a person, company or organization who have introduced a product or service that has enhanced the wellness of a certain segment of the population.
The seniors initiative of the year and the First Nations initiative of the year are both sponsored by Treasure Cove Casino. The youth initiative of the year is sponsored by the YMCA of Northern B.C.
Other awards include the outstanding multicultural contribution award, sponsored by Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society; the technology and healthcare award and the research award.
Among last year's winners was Dr. Ronald Chapman, who won both the health educator and health innovator the year awards.
Nominations for this year's awards can be completed online at: http://healthieryouexpo.ca
