College of Medicine Presents 2025 Community Health Awards
Introduction
The University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria presented the 2025 Community Health Awards during its annual Celebration of Excellence event on November 13. 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.
Marjorie Getz
The 2025 Community Health Award individual winner is Marjorie Getz of Methodist College who has dedicated her career to educating and training future nurses. Her work in education, research, and community partnership has inspired students, colleagues and the greater community to make central Illinois a healthier place for all. Her efforts connect the classroom to the community by applying service learning and public health education in such a way that students don’t just study community health, but rather experience it firsthand. A master trainer in national wellness and chronic disease prevention programs, she’s helped bring those programs to life in the Peoria region and empowering people to take charge of their health and well-being.
Central Illinois Friends
The 2025 Community Health Award organization winner is Central Illinois Friends with a 30-year record of compassion, advocacy and commitment to public health. Initially founded as a network of peers offering mutual care in response to the AIDS epidemic, Central Illinois Friends evolved into a trusted public health organization that is a powerful force for change and support. Now serving 16 counties across central Illinois, CI Friends provides a broad range of free and essential services for all people living with and affected by HIV.