Pictured: Marie Steiner, alderman, Gerri Spencer, alderman, Jenny Hayes, FIREHOUSE and Marlo Howard, Kearney CAN

The Clay County Public Health Center, along with Tri-County Mental Health, Saint Luke’s Smithville, Excelsior Springs Hospital, Liberty Hospital and North Kansas City Hospital, recognized 15 individuals, groups and organizations for their work in improving the health of Clay County.

“We had a lot of variety this year in our nominations, providing the opportunity to recognize the unsung champions working in the community to improve health and wellness,” said Kathleen Welton, CHIA committee lead.

Now in its third year, CHIA is meant to honor those who are working to improve overall health and create positive outcomes. This year’s nominees and winners are:

Category: Tobacco Prevention Policy

• Clean Air Smithville
• Gladstone City Council – Tobacco 21 (2016 CHIA Winner)
• Liberty City Council – Tobacco 21

Category: Health Eating and Active Lifestyle

• City of Kearney Breastfeeding Policy
• Lillian Schumacher and Lewis and Clark Elementary Schools (2016 CHIA Winner)

Category: Behavioral Health

• Serenity on the Square
• City of Gladstone Primary Seatbelt Law (2016 CHIA Winner)

Category: Community Wellness – New Program

• Excelsior Springs Parks and Recreation Walk Around Clay County (2016 CHIA Winner)
• North Kansas City Business Council Farmers’ Market
• Gladstone and Englewood Hy-Vee C-Stores – Stock Healthy Shop Healthy
• North Kansas City YMCA Wellness Corner

Category: Individual Community Health Champions 

• Jason Henry Withington, North Kansas City School District
• Jenny Hayes, FIREHOUSE
• Marlo Howard, Kearney CAN (2016 CHIA Winner)
• Ed Hughes, Rolladium Roller Skating

Each nominee was invited to the Health Center to enjoy a reception to be honored for their hard work and dedication to community wellness efforts.