Hometown Health Heroes and Jean Chabut Policy Champions honored by Michigan Public Health Week Partnership

LANSING, Mich. - As part of Public Health Week in Michigan, 10 individuals and organizations were presented with the 2025 Hometown Health Hero and Jean Chabut Health Policy Champion awards for their contributions to protecting and improving the health of Michigan residents. The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership, a collaboration of state and local health agencies, universities and organizations dedicated to advancing public health, presents the awards each spring. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is a founding member of this partnership.

"Public health is built on the dedication of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to improve the well-being of their communities," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “These annual public health awards recognize those who go above and beyond to create a healthier Michigan for all. Their passion and commitment inspire us to continue striving for a future where every Michigan resident has the opportunity to thrive.”

2025 Jean Chabut Health Policy Champion Award

Four recipients were honored this year with the Jean Chabut Health Policy Champion Award. These organizations and individuals have demonstrated an untiring commitment to the health and safety of their communities.

Barry-Eaton District Public Health Department and Oakland County Health Division

To achieve the Project Public Health Ready (PPHR) national recognition, organizations must demonstrate preparedness and response capability by meeting a comprehensive set of nationally recognized standards by the National Association of County and City Health Officials. This recognition is valid for five years. These health departments first achieved PPHR recognition in 2019 and have successfully completed the recognition process again in 2024.

Adeline Hambley, Ottawa County Department of Public Health

As Ottawa County’s Administrative Health Officer, Adeline Hambley demonstrated unwavering commitment to protecting public health amid significant political and financial challenges. When essential public health programs faced difficulties due to funding uncertainties, she took decisive action to ensure continued services, including immunization programs and disease prevention efforts. Her leadership helped maintain public trust, supported staff retention during a difficult period and reinforced the importance of evidence-based public health practices. Through her resilience and dedication, Hambley has set a lasting example for public health leadership in Michigan.

Dr. Brittany Tayler, MSU Pediatric Public Health Initiative

As an active member of Michigan State University, the City of Flint and surrounding communities, Tayler leads efforts addressing tobacco and cannabis prevention throughout Genesee County. At the state level, she works in partnership with legislators, impacting policies and laws to influence change. Tayler works tirelessly and collaboratively with a variety of academic and community partners to improve quality of life and health outcomes for Flint children, families and even neighboring cities.

2025 Hometown Health Heroes Award Winners

Six recipients were honored this year with the Hometown Health Hero Award. These individuals and organizations have gone above and beyond to improve the health and well-being of their communities through dedication, innovation and service.

Dr. Nicole Jones, MSU Pediatric Public Health Initiative

For more than eight years, Dr. Nicole Jones has played a key role in the Flint Registry, connecting more than 24,000 Flint residents affected by lead exposure to essential health, housing, and support services. Under her leadership, the registry has facilitated more than 34,000 referrals, ensuring families receive critical resources to improve their well-being. Beyond her work as an epidemiologist, Jones has been a champion for community engagement, collaborating with local organizations, advisory boards and residents to shape public health initiatives. Her dedication has helped strengthen public trust, expand access to care and improve health outcomes for Flint families.

Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Club

Heavily involved in improving the health of their community, the rotary club has supported efforts to increase vaccination, address child abuse and ensure families have food on the table. The Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Club has:

• Contributed $25,000 to increase awareness of polio and the polio vaccine.
• Raised $36,000 in 2022 to support of the opening of the Branch County Child Advocacy Center, which supports children who are the victims of abuse.
• Supported social determinants of health through support of Habitat for Humanity construction projects, local food pantries and
• English as a Second Language classes for new immigrants moving to the area for employment opportunities.
• Participated in the C-19 Task Force, a partnership of community organizations and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided $16,275 to the Branch Area Food Pantry.

Paul Bock, Munson Healthcare

As a Peer Recovery Coach, Bock has been a trailblazer in integrating recovery coaching into medical settings across northern Michigan. Serving a vast 31-county region, he provides critical one-on-one support to individuals seeking recovery, helping them navigate treatment options, access essential resources and overcome barriers like legal issues and employment challenges. His work has influenced the expansion of substance use disorder services, reduced stigma through education and storytelling, and fostered a recovery-oriented system of care. As a mentor, advocate and leader, Bock’s unwavering commitment to supporting those in recovery has transformed lives and strengthened communities.

Ingham County Health Department Neighborhood Wellness Center at Epicenter of Worship

Since opening in August 2024, the Ingham County Health Department Neighborhood Wellness Center (NWC) at Epicenter of Worship has provided critical health services to vulnerable residents in Lansing, focusing on preventive care and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). The center has already conducted more than 70 client engagements, including diabetes screenings, cholesterol screenings, hypertension screenings and the distribution of more than 150 over-the-counter test kits at no cost. This NWC has gone beyond standard care to save lives and remove barriers to health, offering more than 56 SDOH consultations and 68 assists to help residents with health care navigation, housing and financial assistance. Through compassionate, hands-on support, the center ensures Lansing residents get not just screenings but the resources to truly improve their lives.

The Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Dedicated to improving cancer outcomes and reducing health disparities across Michigan's diverse communities, the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement serves 46 counties. It leads the Michigan Cancer HealthLink, a statewide network that empowers cancer survivors, caregivers and advocates to engage in local cancer research. The network includes 11 Cancer Action Councils, fostering community involvement in cancer care. Additional programs, such as Community Conversations on Cancer and Michigan Community Outreach to Address Financial Toxicity, facilitate crucial dialogue between scientists and the community. Through these efforts, the office spreads awareness of cancer care, clinical trials and research resources, driving change and promoting equitable cancer care throughout the state.

St. Clair County Community Mental Health

Committed to providing accessible, coordinated care for mental health and substance use disorders, St. Clair County Community Mental Health recognizes that healing involves both mind and body. This community mental health service provider has:

• Ensured integrated health care by coordinating care for more than 4,000 individuals with primary care physicians.
• Partnered with 67 physicians for cooperative care agreements.
• Embedded a clinician with the Port Huron Police Department, providing more than 1,900 service hours.
• Trained 271 law enforcement officers on behavioral health topics.
• Supported 295 individuals through mental health court and 38 through recovery court.
• Conducted 17 school presentations to educate students and staff on various mental health and wellness topics.
• Provided 40 hours of behavioral health care training to more than 300 nursing students at St. Clair County Community College.
• Trained 192 community members in Mental Health First Aid last year, totaling 1,623 trained since 2015. 

The awardees were honored by the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership at a ceremony in the State House Office Building Wednesday, April 9. More information about the awards can be found here.

In addition to MDHHS, the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership consists of the following organizations: Eastern Michigan University, Michigan Association of Medical Examiners, Michigan Health and Hospital Association, Grand Valley State University, Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Association for Local Public Health, Michigan Public Health Association, Michigan Public Health Institute, Michigan State University, University of Michigan School of Public Health and Wayne State University.

###