The Prince George Public Library was a double winner on the weekend at the A Healthier You awards.
The library was honoured both for its contribution to youth programs and health education at the annual gala recognizing community groups, individuals and institutions for their work in making northern B.C. a healthier place to live. Eleven awards were handed on Saturday night at UNBC at the event sponsored by The Citizen, MLA Shirley Bond and the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS).
Acting chief librarian Janet Marren said the awards show the Prince George library remains one of the first places people think of when they seek out information about health.
"We're very happy and thankful and also gratified that people recognize the work of the Prince George Public Library in promoting both literacy and health literacy in our community," she said.
Marren said research has shown that literacy one of the most important factors in influencing health and well being because it allows people to better understand community health information.
The library won the youth initiative of the year, sponsored by the YMCA of Northern B.C., for its work in setting up a community teen gay-straight alliance. It's a safe gathering place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and transgender teens, as well as their friends, to meet, learn and discuss health and other issues.
"It's much-needed safe space where these students and their allies from different schools can gather and work together and make our community more welcoming," Marren said.
The library also took home top prize in a crowded field for health and wellness educator of the year, sponsored by CNC. With seven other nominees up for the award, the library won on the strength of both the electronic databases and books available on health topics as well as the staff available to help people find what they're looking for.
"One of the most important thing is our friendly and knowledgeable staff," Marren said. "People can Google symptoms or can Google disease names or medications, but our staff can help point them to authoritative links and authoritative data to help them focus their research."
The library is continuing its connection to health projects this year by partnering with two Northern Medical Program students to identify local community health information needs that will best be served by the library.
Among the other winners were the Northern Health Stop HIV/AIDS project, which took home the health and wellness advocate of the year, presented by Northern Health. It won for its proactive work in stopping the spread of the disease by encouraging people to get tested and seek early treatment, if required.
IMSS presented the outstanding multicultural contribution award to Dr. Tahir Shafi Chaudhry of Prince George. As the only pediatrician in northern B.C. who speaks both Punjabi and Urdu, he provides a valuable service to the growing South Asian community in the region.
Dr. Bill Clifford of Prince George was recognized for his work on electronic patient records, which has made Northern Health a leader in the field. Clifford took home the health and wellness innovator of the year, sponsored by Spectra Energy.
The Northern Health home and community care integrated health team for seniors won the seniors initiative of the year for its work bringing together 10 primary care physician practices to help develop care plans for seniors. Treasure Cove Casino sponsored the award.
Cynthia Munger won the First Nations initiative of the year, also sponsored by Treasure Cove. Munger was recognized for her work in Stellat'en First Nation, near Fraser Lake, in the development of a community garden and healthy eating program, which has reduced the number of new cases of diabetes being reported.
General practitioner Dr. Denise McLeod was named the health and wellness provider of the year, sponsored by the New Car Dealers Association of B.C. for her work building a patient-centered clinic. McLeod was recognized for growing the practice by adding other physicians and a nurse practitioner, which has allowed for extended hours during the week and on weekends.
The technology in health care award went to the Northern Clinic Simulation Lab. Sponsored by Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C., it recognized the value the lab has to provide hands-on training for medical professionals by using simulators to mimic symptoms of heart attacks, strokes and other medical conditions.
UNBC nursing assistant professor Davina Banner won the research award presented by UNBC for her work on treatment for heart conditions in a rural environment.
The Canadian Mental Health Association took home the mental health in the workplace award sponsored by Canadian Tire for its Bounce Back program, which includes a DVD and workbook based self-help program, supported by telephone coaching.
