Minneapolis is setting the stage to honor its very own health crusaders, the everyday heroes who have rolled up their sleeves to secure the well-being of the city's residents. In what has become an annual nod to the champions of public health, the Minneapolis Health Department is hosting its Local Public Health Heroes award ceremony and resource fair today, with activities kicking off at 11 a.m. at the Public Service Building.

At noon, a string of local heroes will be recognized for their dedication to the Minneapolis community, according to an announcement by the Minneapolis Health Department. Commissioner Damōn Chaplin hailed the award recipients saying, "Congratulations to this year’s Public Health Heroes. You help transform the lives of those who live, work, and play in our city. Minneapolis is grateful for the work you do."

The ceremony will hail contributions across a spectrum of health-related endeavors, showing a particular spotlight on areas like childhood well-being, violence prevention, environmental justice, and sustainable food systems.

Among those being lauded for their indomitable efforts include Mark Sander from Hennepin County and Minneapolis Public Schools for Thriving Youth and Young Adults, and Roxxanne O’Brien, an activist who has been at the forefront of environmental justice. Their work, while varied in scope, shares the united vision for a city that prioritizes the health of its people, its spaces, and its future, noted Mayor Jacob Frey. Frey remarked, "From fostering city-community collaboration on initiatives like the Climate Legacy Initiative and leading the way in culturally relevant opioid response efforts, their hard work inspires us and strengthens our collective commitment to public health,” in a statement obtained by the Minneapolis Health Department.

The event is not just a platform for applause but also a resource extravaganza, with a fair featuring booths from various health initiatives from the City Trees Program to the Opioid Response Team. In offering these interactive gateways, the Minneapolis Health Department is aiming to bridge the distance between public services and the individuals they are designed to serve. "The Minneapolis Public Health Heroes Award celebrates the incredible dedication of everyday people and organizations who are making a difference in our community's health and well-being," added Mayor Frey, in words echoing his earlier statement.

More details about the event, the awardees, and the Minneapolis Health Department's broader initiatives can be found by visiting the Health Department’s website.