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Cheers to our friends of Health!

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A group picture of award recipients in Regional Council Chambers.

On November 26, Council Chambers was vibrant with celebration as Durham Region Health Department honoured 12 recipients from nine amazing organizations with the Friend of Health Award. This award is all about recognizing the superheroes in our community who go above and beyond to make Durham Region a healthier, happier place. 

The Friend of Health Award isn’t just a title—it’s a badge of honour for collaboration, compassion and commitment. These partners work together with the Health Department to deliver programs and services that truly make a difference, helping to protect and promote health across the region.  

Jennifer Wynne, case coordinator for Durham Region Social Services and a 2025 Friend of Health Award recipient, reflects on the importance of collaboration and partnership in caring for the community. “I am truly humbled by the recognition of receiving the Friend of Health Award. This partnership holds a special place in my heart because it reflects the courage of the women we walk alongside and the power of working as a unified community,” she says. “Collaborating with the Sexual Health Clinic team has opened the door to barrier-free access to care for clients who may never have felt safe seeking it on their own. Through my work supporting survivors of human trafficking, I see every day how deeply health, safety and stability are intertwined and every step toward equitable access to care matters. This award affirms that a holistic collaborative approach to support isn’t just good practice – it’s life changing.”  

Meet our 2025 Friend of Health Award recipients: 

 Organization Award 

  • West Lynde Public School and Community Council 

  • Lakeridge Health IPAC Hub 

Individual Award 

  • Sarah Khattab – Donald A. Wilson Secondary School 

  • Jennifer Wynne – Durham Region Social Services 

  • James Deal – Durham Community Health Centre 

  • Jeanne Sawka – Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering (Ambulatory Care Unit) 

  • Jennifer Johnson, Tina Cole and Carter Sehn – Durham Regional Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health 

  • Ester Veens and Beth Grove – Sunrise Pregnancy and Family Support Services 

  • Darren Nagy – City of Oshawa 

These champions remind us of what community spirit looks like—working together to keep Durham Region strong, healthy and thriving. Thank you for being true friends of Health! 

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