Public Health Awards
Each year nominations are sought to honor individuals, businesses and organizations who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in creating a healthier Oak Park. Submit your nomination using the form on this page.
Nominees should demonstrate strengths and accomplishments one of three areas: Leadership, Community or Equity. Nominees can also be recommended specifically for a harm reduction and substance use award.
Award winners are chosen by the Board of Health.
Eligibility:
- Nominees must live or work in Oak Park, or provide services to Oak Park residents
- Current and past employees of the Oak Park Department of Public Health are not eligible to win a public health award
- No self-nomination
Dr. William Fitzsimmons Award
William Fitzsimmons, a medical consultant to the Oak Park Department of Public Health from 1976-1992. A humanitarian who volunteered his services to the Village, Dr. Fitzsimmons is remembered for his compassion toward others, regardless of their race or socio-economic status, a deep love of medicine and dedication to public service. Award winners and their contributions to the community embody the spirit of service and dedication of William Fitzsimmons’ legacy.
David Haennicke Award
The David Haennicke Award celebrates individuals who live, work, or play in Oak Park who have made a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use.
This award commemorates the tireless work of Sheila Haennicke, who, working with Public Health Department staff, played a vital role in the development and implementation of the Oak Park Opioid Overdose Prevention Project. Sheila educates the public about opioid use, bystander overdose response and the importance of carrying Narcan.
Sheila’s son David Haennicke grew up in Oak Park. He attended Lincoln Elementary and Brooks Middle School, participated with his family as a member of St. Edmund Parish, enrolled in Park District programs, enjoyed the libraries and summer strolls to Hole in the Wall for ice cream. He biked and skateboarded all over the Village. While a student at Oak Park River Forest High School, David was a member of the cross-country and lacrosse teams. Amid his successes, he also struggled with fitting in and feeling supported. While still in high school, he began self-medicating with drugs, including opioids, and developed a substance use disorder. David tried for many years to recover but, unfortunately, passed away after an opioid (fentanyl) overdose in November 2021 at the age of 29.
Previous Winners
Read about past winners in the following links:
- 2023 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 55KB)
- 2019 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 53KB)
- 2018 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 82KB)
- 2017 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 35KB)
- 2016 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 28KB)
- 2015 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 23KB)
- 2014 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 23KB)
- 2013 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 32KB)
- 2012 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 48KB)
- 2011 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 36KB)
- 2010 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 31KB)
- 2009 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 71KB)
- 2008 Public Health Award Winners(PDF, 62KB)