Lillie Johnson

Last updated
Lillie Johnson

CM
Born(1922-03-16)March 16, 1922
Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica
NationalityJamaican Canadian
Occupationnurse
Awards Order 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 an Member of the Order of Canada for her contribution to public health. [4]

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References

  1. Armstrong, Neil (30 December 2023). "Jamaican-Canadian centenarian named to the Order of Canada". jamaica-gleaner.com.
  2. 1 2 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. 1 2 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.