Nominations are now being accepted for the second annual Douglas County Health Champion awards.

One youth and one adult will be recognized by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department for their efforts to model, encourage and promote health in the community. Nominations can be made at ldchealth.org through March 5. The awards will be announced during National Public Health Week April 7-13.

“We know there are many deserving individuals in our community. Whether they’re starting a walking group or a new community garden or volunteering to serve on a health work group or in a clinic for low-income residents, this is an opportunity to recognize these individuals and their efforts,” said Dan Partridge, director of the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department.

Nominees are expected to have demonstrated work that goes above and beyond what is expected through their normal job or organizational responsibilities, and undertaken efforts that have resulted in a positive health impact on others in the community.

The 2014 Health Champions will be selected by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Board and recognized during a community breakfast open to the public at 7:30 a.m. April 11 at the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine St. Inaugural Health Champion Michel Loomis, a retired Lawrence teacher who has long been devoted to improving the health of local youth, will be the keynote speaker.

Last year’s youth champion was Josie Naron, a volunteer at the health department.