Dr. Steven Rebellato, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s (SMDHU) vice president of environmental health, has won a Distinguished Service Award from the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa).
Officials with SMDHU say he received the award on June 6. They explain it’s given annually to recognize individuals who have shown “exemplary devotion to public health at local and provincial levels.”
Ann-Marie Kungl, chair of SMDHU’s board of health, says it’s been an honour to work with Dr. Rebellato.
“In his professional and academic career, Steven has contributed to the advancement of various topics in public health including environmental health, climate change, infectious disease and artificial intelligence,” she says.
Officials detail how Dr. Rebellato has served on the alPHa board in several roles since 2016 and is currently serving as both the board liaison for artificial intelligence and climate change. They add he’s served various academic roles at universities and is currently a fellow at Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, where he is involved in the AMS-Fitzgerald Fellowship focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Human-Centered Leadership. Officials point out Dr. Rebellato’s commitment to advancing public health, volunteerism, and community well-being is also shown by the work he did while chair (currently vice-chair) of the York Hills Centre for Children, Youth, and Families in the Region of York.
Loretta Ryan, alPHA’s chief executive officer, says Dr. Reballato has proven his “devotion to public health” for many years.
“Recipients of alPHa’s Distinguished Service Awards have demonstrated exceptional qualities of leadership in their own area, achieved tangible results through lengthy service and/or distinctive act, and displayed exemplary devotion to public health at the provincial level,” she continues. Dr. Rebellato is an outstanding public health leader and a highly dedicated volunteer. This is the highest honour that alPHa can bestow upon a member, and he is a most deserving recipient.”
