2025 North Country Community Health Heroes Announced

Individuals from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to be honored at Community Health Hero Award luncheon

Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO) and North Country Health Compass Partners are pleased to announce the 2025 Community Health Hero Award recipients.

One Health Hero was chosen in each of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties who have exhibited a deep sense of dedication, compassion, and selflessness in their efforts to address health-related issues and challenges that affect our local communities. Their contributions have led to positive and lasting impacts on the health of those they serve. 

The 2025 recipients of the Community Health Hero Award are:

·         Jefferson County – Jessica Sheldon, Owner, FAITH Riding Center, and Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Building Blocks Family Services.

·         Lewis County – Brandy Kirch, Homeless Care Manager, Snow Belt Housing Company, Inc.

·         St. Lawrence County – Michele Catlin, Diabetes Program Specialist, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center

The Community Health Hero Award – given in honor of National Rural Health Day (November 20, 2025) – recognizes North Country residents who have demonstrated outstanding public service and a commitment to improving the health and wellness of their community. Nominations were accepted from community members, and recipients were chosen by the North Country Health Compass partners.

“Each year, the Health Hero nominations remind us of how many extraordinary people are making a difference in our communities. This year's nominees are incredibly dedicated, compassionate, and inspiring individuals who we are so pleased to recognize,” said Pat Fontana, Deputy Director for FDRHPO.  

This year’s guest speaker will be Anna Platz, Community Services Director for Lewis County. Platz, a 2019 North Country Community Health Hero Award recipient, was recognized for her impactful work in suicide prevention during her time as a Public Health Specialist with Lewis County Public Health.

An awards luncheon will be held on November 19 at the Hilton Garden Inn Watertown/1000 Islands from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets to attend the luncheon are $20, and registration is required.

To register for the event, visit www.fdrhpo.org.

For more about National Rural Health Day, visit https://nosorh.org/nrhd/.

For more information about the 2025 North Country Community Health Hero Awards, contact Holly Boname, Communications Coordinator at FDRHPO, by emailing hboname@fdrhpo.org.