Monday, we start presenting stories about the 8 local winners of the Jefferson Award.
Each one has displayed the ability to help others in their community through volunteerism.
Including the first winner we look, who first took her fight against childhood Type 2 Diabetes and obesity to local schools and classrooms and now affects students across the state of Ohio.
15 years ago, Dr. Shama Amin noticed a disturbing trend in her practice, she dealt specifically with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes, but more and more children with Type 2 Diabetes and Childhood Obesity started filling her clinic. Besides treating her patents, Doctor Amin decided to treat the problem. 12 years ago, with the help of others in the community, she worked with dietary departments to provide more balanced meals at breakfast and lunch in Allen County Schools, and helped get rid of unhealthy food in vending machines. She took her mission to Columbus and has spear headed a change in the school lunch program state wide, which until her efforts, hasn't changed in 60 years.
5 years ago, Dr. Amin help start the "Give Me 5 Program" for 1st grade students in Allen County, which stresses 5 fruit and vegetables, no more than 2 hours of screen time for children, and one hour of exercise every day. Dr. Amin says other people who helped her along the way are deserving of the award, as well. But Lima Mayor David Berger, who nominated Dr. Amin, says she deserves the recognition because she was the one who got the process started, and that is why he nominated her.
Recent numbers from the State of Ohio on local children's Body Mass Index has come in. While that number is still not where she wants it to be, she says she sees positive signs for local children. This 2011 Jefferson award winner says she'll continue to raise awareness of childhood obesity and Type 2 Diabetes for years to come.
Dr. Amin and the 8 other winners will be honored at a banquet on March 22nd.
One of the winners will be picked to go on to represent the area in the national Jefferson Award in Washington D.C. The local Jefferson Awards are sponsored by the United Way of Greater Lima, the Lima News and us here at Your Hometown Stations.
