Monday, April 5th during the Public Health Month Celebration Kick-Off at City Hall, Michaelann Bewsee was awarded the “Luminary Award.” This is the highest honor the health and human service community of Springfield can bestow.
Public Health Month is an opportunity to give visibility and recognition to the contributions of public health prevention services to Springfield’s well-being. This year’s theme is “A Healthier Springfield: One Neighborhood at a Time”. We strive to bring information, education and screening that speak to life-style behavior changes and taking control of one’s health.
Michaelann Bewsee is our recipient because as the committee state, “she has been an activist/advocate who has ‘pushed’ the public health agenda.” Health and Human Services Director, Helen Caulton-Harris cited her recent actions in working with the Public Health Council to halt the proposed biomass plant in Springfield until the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has completed their comprehensive study.
Her advocacy for policy changes around instituting a clean needles program; “Sanctuary City” and the Homeless and work with Mass Senior Action Council make her a fit choice for our times.
