| Lillie JohnsonCM | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1922-03-16) March 16, 1922 (age 102) Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica |
| Nationality | Jamaican Canadian |
| Occupation | nurse |
| Awards | Order of Canada |
Lillie Johnson, CM (born March 16, 1922) is a Jamaican-Canadian nurse and public health advocate. Recognized as the first Black Director of Public Health in Ontario, Johnson's work focused on advocating for patients with sickle cell disease.
Born in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica, she began her career as an elementary school teacher. At 29 years old, Johnson moved to Edinburgh, Scotland to pursue nursing. Johnson migrated to Ontario, Canada in 1960 to work as a nurse after practicing in England, Jamaica and America.
In 1981, Johnson founded the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario to provide outreach and advocacy programs not previously available in the region.
Honours
In 2023, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada for her contribution to public health.
References
- Armstrong, Neil (30 December 2023). "Jamaican-Canadian centenarian named to the Order of Canada". jamaica-gleaner.com.
- ^ Biason, Rebecca (19 January 2024). "U of T Nursing alum and public health advocate appointed to Order of Canada". Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- ^ Srikanthan, Sinthu; Ferguson, Vanessa. "Counter-Storytelling for Social Change - Part 2: Miss Lillie Johnson". The Red Blood Cell Disorders Hub. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- Office of the Secretary to the Governor Governor (22 December 2023). "Order of Canada appointees – December 2023". The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 9 February 2024.