Lillie Johnson

Lillie Johnson
CM
Born (1922-03-16) March 16, 1922 (age 102)
Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica
NationalityJamaican Canadian
Occupationnurse
AwardsOrder of Canada

Lillie Johnson, CM (born March 16, 1922) is a Jamaican-Canadian nurse and public health advocate.[1] Recognized as the first Black Director of Public Health in Ontario, Johnson's work focused on advocating for patients with sickle cell disease.[2]

Born in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica, she began her career as an elementary school teacher.[2] At 29 years old, Johnson moved to Edinburgh, Scotland to pursue nursing.[3] 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.[3]

Honours

In 2023, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada for her contribution to public health.[4]

References

  1. ^ Armstrong, Neil (30 December 2023). "Jamaican-Canadian centenarian named to the Order of Canada". jamaica-gleaner.com.
  2. ^ a b 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.
  3. ^ a b Srikanthan, Sinthu; Ferguson, Vanessa. "Counter-Storytelling for Social Change - Part 2: Miss Lillie Johnson". The Red Blood Cell Disorders Hub. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  4. ^ 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.