The MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions in Toronto and ConsumptionCo are proud to announce that Our Healthbox has won two gold awards at the 4th annual Anthem Awards, which recognizes the mission-driven work of individuals, companies and organizations around the world.
Our Healthbox won gold in both the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Innovation and Health/Innovation categories for its work providing 24/7 access to harm reduction supplies, HIV self-test kits, hygiene items, and more, to promote health empowerment without judgment, stigma, or racism.
“Innovating Without Judgment: Health Empowerment Through Our Healthbox”
The awards recognize the groundbreaking work of Dr. Sean B. Rourke and Darshand Maraj with REACH Nexus at MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital and ConsumptionCo, a brand experience agency, led by Erik Goldhar and Ted Geatros.
The gold awards also acknowledges the important work of our partners, SMRT1 Health, and Esri Canada and the ongoing, generous support of Staples Canada, through the #EventheOdds partnership between Staples and MAP - Canada’s largest research centre focused on health equity and the social determinants of health.
“We are thrilled to win these gold awards with our creative partners – Ted and Erik at ConsumptionCo – for health innovation and efforts to support diversity, equity and inclusion innovation,” said Dr. Rourke. “All of our work is to make sure all Canadians can get access to what they need to take care of their health, in their communities, and in ways that work for them.”
“Reaching Communities Across Canada: 21,000 Supplies Delivered and Counting”
Our Healthbox aims to create an inclusive healthcare system by focusing on those with complex social and healthcare needs who are often marginalized and facing stigma, poverty, and health inequities. The goal is to help reduce harms from substance use including opioid overdose deaths, prevent and reduce transmission of infectious diseases (like HIV, Hepatitis C), and provide these communities equitable access to essential health supports and resources.
Healthbox interactive dispensing machines are now active in 11 communities across Canada and have reached over 6900 people, delivered more than 900 HIV self-test kits, and delivered nearly 21000 sexual health and other supplies to reduce harm.
“Our Healthbox reimagines healthcare equity,” said Ted Geatros, executive vice-president of brand strategy for ConsumptionCo. “Let’s keep designing a future where everyone belongs.”
The 4th Annual Anthem Awards, presented by The Webby Awards, was the most competitive year yet with more than 2,300 entries submitted from 34 countries worldwide.
Our Healthbox was announced as a gold winner along with other international trailblazers and leaders like, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, GLAAD, Planned Parenthood, Google, Everytown for Gun Safety, Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, The Obama Foundation, and World Central Kitchen.
“This year’s Anthem Awards Winners are a crucial reminder of the many inspiring and courageous leaders around us committed to creating change,” said Patricia McLoughlin, Anthem Awards General Manager. “Their vital pursuit of a stronger, more equitable, and just tomorrow is incredible, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support and uplift their efforts.”
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