As staff with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit adjust to new leadership, some public displays have been created out of respect for Dr. Paula Stewart.
Stewart was the organization’s Medical Officer of Health throughout the COVID-19 pandemic before retiring at the end of August.
According to Health Unit worker Katie Lamb, the organization has planted trees at both its Brockville and Smiths Falls offices, with plaques installed in front of them commemorating Stewart’s work.
Doug Malanka, the Chair of the organization’s Board of Health, says Stewart isn’t the only person that deserves commendation.
“The entire staff must also be acknowledged for their dedication and expertise that was and continues to be a tremendous asset in the fight against COVID-19,” he says.
Malanka also says he and the rest of the organization are looking forward to the future, under the leadership of Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Linna Li.
“With 75 years already in our history, we look forward to many more years of service to our communities,” he says.
You can find the trees at the front of the Smiths Falls office, at the north entrance of the Brockville office, and a third at the soccer field across from the Brockville office if you’d like to see them for yourself.