Early care and education providers are uniquely positioned to help young children and families build habits that can have a lasting impact on their health.
Read moreThat’s the mission of Hamilton County Public Health’s WeTHRIVE!℠ initiative.
(more…)What started with 50 people in three priority communities in 2009 has expanded to impact more than 300,000 people throughout 27 communities and eight school districts.
Note: This post incorporates information from the submitted champion award nomination, with additions and edits for clarity and flow.
In Woodlawn, thriving isn’t just a goal—it’s a shared commitment, led by a WeTHRIVE! team that ensures everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has a real opportunity to belong, engage, and succeed.
Read more
Note: This post incorporates information from the submitted champion award nomination, with additions and edits for clarity and flow.
Sheila, Howard, and Dan go the extra mile as members of the Elmwood Place WeTHRIVE! team. Each one has a passion for different projects, but they work together and support each other.
“They have been a pleasure to work with,” says Karen Schwamberger, WeTHRIVE! outreach contractor who works with the Elmwood team. “The three of them just do what needs to be done and do not expect any recognition.”
In less than a year, Sheila, Howard, and Dan took action to address drug overdoses and substance use disorder in their community.
Sheila worked with Hannah Schilling, community outreach coordinator for the overdose prevention program at Hamilton County Public Health (HCPH), to put fentanyl test strip kiosks in the village’s two bars. This sustainable change has helped to reduce the stigma and empower residents to look out for one another.
Dan supported this initiative by planning a modern first aid training session (photo at right) focused on overdose prevention. Now when Elmwood’s fire and police departments are called to an overdose, they leave naloxone, fentanyl test strips, first aid supplies, and a resource card with the individual who has overdosed or their family members.
Howard supported the effort by making flyers, spreading the word, and showing up. The team’s work, featured in this story on the WeTHRIVE! website, has inspired other WeTHRIVE! communities to get involved with overdose prevention.
Elmwood Place does not have a grocery store or food pantry, so healthy food access is important to the team. Dan applied for and the team was awarded a mini grant to install two Little Free Pantry boxes in the community. He also helped bring the Freestore Foodbank’s Healthy Harvest Mobile Market to Elmwood; they now come twice a month.
Sheila and Howard provided support with logistics and spreading the word. Again, working together they are making sustainable changes and, in this case, helping their neighbors with food access.
Dan was instrumental in bringing the Hamilton County 513Relief Bus to Elmwood for the first time in 2025, and again this year. He also applied for the Put a Lid On It grant, which provided 90 bike helmets that were given away at the community’s Bike Helmet Day event.
Photo at left: Howard at the team’s Bike Helmet Day.
It’s obvious that Sheila, Dan, and Howard care about their community. They lead with compassion and understanding in the work they do, modeling what it means to be a WeTHRIVE! champion!
It’s WeTHRIVE! champions week! Be sure to check back tomorrow for another post about one of our 2026 WeTHRIVE! champions.
Note: This post incorporates information shared in the champion award nomination submitted, with additions and edits for clarity and flow.
Read more“Honestly, it [champion award] was a surprise. I don’t feel like I’m doing anything award-worthy. I’m just showing up for my community and trying to do what I can to make it a little bit better. I appreciate that it was noticed… If anything, I hope it helps to make people realize how many resources there are available to improve your community and help others.” –Sable Bender
Note: This post incorporates information from the submitted champion award nomination, with additions and edits for clarity and flow.
Read more“Receiving the WeTHRIVE!℠ award was surprising and empowering. I am humbled that I received this award, yet so proud of my school community and the opportunity to help my community grow, especially with mental health.” –Tina Cole
Note: This post incorporates information from the submitted champion award nomination, with additions and edits for clarity and flow.
Pam Jackson, Addyston council member and WeTHRIVE!℠ team member, is a 2026 WeTHRIVE! champion!
Read more
The WeTHRIVE!℠ Champion Award honors those who are dedicated to creating a culture of health, safety, and vitality in Hamilton County. Starting tomorrow, we’ll introduce you to the inspiring people who received the 2026 WeTHRIVE! Champion Award!
Read more