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PHANS awards the Public Health Champion Award each year at the PHANS AGM. This is an honour intended to recognize an individual or organization who has demonstrated excellence in leadership, innovation and commitment to improving the health of Nova Scotians.
Described as a "dedicated leader and passionate advocate for the role public health can play in advancing health equity," this is demonstrated through her support of the development of the first population health status report for Capital Health. Dr. Watson-Creed chamioned the use of disparity measures, and worked hard to better understand the data by engaging Community Health Boards.
Karen is a founding member of the Antigonish Food Security Coalition where she has taken a leadership role. Colleen Cameron, also a member of the coalition, notes, "Karen has an amazing ability to work across partnerships. She is genuine in her approach, values all people and is able to engage with diverse groups. I know she is a great mentor, taking dietetic interns and involving them in meaningful learning experiences in the community."
Debbie has been working in community development and public health for over 30 years with the majority of that time focused on improving outcomes for families and children. Debbie’s leadership positions include Executive Director of the South Shore Family Resource Association, member of the Minister of Community Services’ Advisory Committee and Chair of Lunenburg County’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Working Group. Her innovative programming in areas such as injury prevention, prenatal support, embedded health literacy and gender garners accolades across the province.