College of Medicine Presents 2024 Community Health Awards

Community Health Award Winners 2024 group photo

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria presented the 2024 Community Health Awards during its annual Celebration of Excellence event on October 24.

Initiated in 1995, the awards honor individuals and organizations that promote community health in central Illinois. Annually, UICOMP presents two awards – one to an individual and another to a group or organization.

The 2024 Community Health Award individual winner is Wayne Cannon, manager of the Peoria Area Food Bank. Wayne was recognized for his leadership and compassion toward serving those in need and for directing efforts ranging from traditional food pantry distribution to soup kitchen and homeless shelter support. His ability to find innovative ways to solve problems is significant. One example is partnering with Children’s Hospital of Illinois to provide emergency food kits to families of patients who suffer from food insecurity and offering 3 – 4 days of nutritious food as families meet the demands of having a child in the hospital.

The 2024 Community Health Award organization winner is George Washington Carver Center with its rich Peoria legacy of providing a sense of community and a place of belonging for more than a century. Carver Center was recognized for its youth and family programs, sports and recreation offerings, and for elevating arts and humanities for the community. The Center fills unmet needs, serves the underserved, and has contributed to overall health of the residents and community.

More information on the Community Health Awards and a link to a historical list of winners may be found at https://peoria.medicine.uic.edu/about/uicomp-news/community-health-awards/.