Shawnee County, KS – The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) is now accepting nominations for its Annual Public Health Champion Awards. 

The 2025 awards will honor one individual and one organization that have made outstanding contributions to advancing health equity and improving community well-being throughout Topeka and Shawnee County.

Award recipients will be selected based on their demonstrated efforts to improve the social and economic conditions that influence health, such as housing, education, transportation, access to nutritious food, and safe environments.

These champions inspire meaningful and lasting change, promoting equitable opportunities for all. Examples of eligible actions include:

• Supporting or advocating for local health policies
• Volunteering for health-related initiatives
• Donating to community health efforts
• Implementing sustainable environmental improvements

“With so much inspiring work happening in our community, it’s important to recognize the individuals and organizations truly leading the charge in creating healthier spaces for everyone,” said Teresa Fisher, Director of the Shawnee County Health Department.

Nominations may be submitted online via the [2025 Public Health Champion Nomination Form]

The form is also available on the SCHD website, as well as on Facebook and Instagram. Paper nomination forms are available upon request. 

The SCHD Management Team will review all nominations. Award recipients will be honored at the Annual Shawnee County Community Conversation on August 15, 2025, at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Shelley Ramos

Health Promotions Coordinator 

785.251.5614

[email protected]