BC's doctors recognize excellence in health promotion

VANCOUVER:  Two recipients have been awarded the BCMA’s annual Excellence in Promotion Award for their leadership and dedication to supporting the health and well-being of British Columbians. 

Dr. Mark Gilbert, a Physician Epidemiologist with the BC Centre for Disease Control, received the individual award for his tireless efforts to break down barriers in sharing information about sexual practices to reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases.  Dr Gilbert has fostered relationships at all levels of the health care system to help prevention initiatives for HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), and also to improve the quality of life of individuals living with these diseases.  “It’s a privilege to be receiving this award,” says Dr Gilbert.  “I work with some great people at BCCDC, and together I really feel we are making some great strides towards improving the sexual health of British Columbia.”

The BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society is the recipient of the non-profit award for its contribution to helping Aboriginals living with a disability receive better health care.  Its focus is on more responsive case management and ensuring relevant health resources and information are made available to Aboriginal communities.  The non-profit group works to eliminate the barriers that prevent this population from accessing appropriate health care, and to provide the assistance and support they need to participate as active members of their community. “It’s a great honour,” says Executive Director Neil Belanger “This really illustrates the hard-work that our employees do every day, and the support that we have not only from the communities, but from the partner agencies… and we’ll continue our work.”

This is the 14th time the BCMA has handed out its annual health promotion award to honour exceptional initiatives that support the long-term health and safety of British Columbians.  

This year’s winners received a sculptured glass award and certificate at the BC Medical Association’s Awards Banquet that follows its Annual General Meeting held on June 1st.

For more information on the BCMA go to www.doctorsofbc.ca or follow us on twitter at @BCMedicalAssoc.
 

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Contact:
Sharon Shore
Senior Manager, Communications and Media Relations
BC Medical Association
604 638-2832 or 604 306-1866 (pgr)