PHABC would like to thank our outgoing Vice President for her years of tireless contributions to our association and her commitment to public, youth and community health.
Maureen Rowan has served on the PHABC board for many years and has made valuable contributions through her numerous executive posts and as co-chair of the Capacity Building Committee. She has participated in the facilitation and planning of many Summer Schools as well as served on multiple conference planning committees. Maureen is a valuable resource to the organization and has facilitated PHABC’s ability to positively influence community health issues, through bringing in the voice of those affected. Not only does she contribute at a high level of strategic and policy planning, but she also lends a hand where needed including transporting people and supplies to conferences and workshops.
Maureen has been a strong support in PHABC’s foundation and is the deserving recipient of this year’s President’s Award which is given to a member of the Public Health Association of British Columbia who has shown a commitment to enabling their community, neighbourhood, housing complex or organization to address health issues. The issues include economic security, food security, environmental sustainability, preventive health actions, and ensuring involvement in decisions by those affected.
Also this year Maureen was awarded the McCreary Centre Society’s Youth Health Awards 2018 Recipient. Each year McCreary presents an award to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to youth health in the province of British Columbia.
Maureen Rowan – For her extraordinary commitment to enabling her organization to address health issues while ensuring involvement in decisions by those affected.
Maureen played an active role in ensuring the success of the very first BC Adolescent Health Survey in 1992, and in administrating and disseminating the survey results through each subsequent cycle. Maureen has been an unbelievable champion of the survey over the years, and always ensured a smooth and successful administration of the BC AHS on the Island.
Maureen has continued to serve BC youth since her retirement through many volunteer roles including her work with PHABC and the BC School Based Mental Health Coalition. Maureen has also continued to support McCreary. In preparation for the 2018 survey she pulled together focus groups to ensure the survey instrument captured youth health issues of importance to public health professionals; volunteered to help with administration if needed; and continued to disseminate results and share the work of the Society. She has stated that retirement “hasbeen a wonderful opportunity to continue supporting her community”, and we are truly grateful for the support she has given the Society over the years and for all that she does to promote adolescent health in the province.