Together: Community Health Champions
Celebrating Community Health Champions.
In 2021, as part of Healthy Acadia's 20th-year anniversary celebration, we undertook our first-ever, in-house documentary film production which premiered in November 2022, with both an in-person event and a virtual showing. “Together: Community Health Champions,” shines a light on six incredible individuals selected through a Washington and Hancock County-wide nomination process as Community Health Champions. These inspirational community members go above and beyond to increase the well-being of our communities, each in their own unique way. Their stories inspire and affirm that we all can and do meaningfully contribute every day to building healthy, resilient communities - and that we do our best work in partnership, together.
Our film was selected for screening at the APHA PUBLIC HEALTH FILM FESTIVAL in November 2023!
Stay tuned for more opportunities to view this inspiring documentary film!
Dotty Small
A Retired Police Detective and Recovery Ally who now works in her local school system as a substitute teacher where she helps to shape the lives of youth in their formative years, and who continues to volunteer with a substance recovery program led by her local police department.
Dwayne Shaw
A Fisheries and Land Conservation Advocate who works to build access to outdoor recreation, protect and restore, critical ecosystems, and support the well-being of our communities through healthy connections with these resources and the natural world.
Juana Rodriguez- Vazquez
An Executive Director, Teacher, and Community Leader who serves migrant, immigrant, and farm worker families, addresses health inequities, and is a voice for anti-racism. Her work benefits our entire region.
Mary Parham
A Community Health Educator whose highly engaging health coaching, exercise, and disease prevention classes help to maintain and build mobility and independence for participants including older community members. Her virtual class offerings enable community members to build and maintain strong social connection amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Jeff Milliken
An Avid Home Gardener and Retired Pediatrician who is a strong advocate for access to healthy food for all. He grows and donates thousands of pounds of fresh produce each year to regional food security organizations and has volunteers at a local community food pantry.
Marni Crowley
An Elementary School Teacher who inspires and engages her students in regular physical activity for healthy minds and bodies. She has helped her school to acquire funding and develop new outdoor spaces for children with a particular focus on supporting the balance of learning, technology use, and outdoor activity and exploration in every season.