Lakeridge Health Celebrates People, Purpose and Future at Landmark Community Event
Lakeridge Health brought together team members, partners, and community supporters on May 1 for an unforgettable evening marking a major milestone for the organization – the official launch of the This is Lakeridge Health brand awareness campaign, after its soft launch in October 2025.
Held as a gala-style celebration, the event highlighted the people, partnerships and impact that define care across Lakeridge Health and the Durham Region community. The evening was made possible through the generous support of Suncity Development (Elite), TD (Gold), and Blackstone Energy Services (Table).
“The This is Lakeridge Health campaign isn’t just about marketing – it’s about identity, education and health equity,” said Shara Santan, Senior Director, Strategic Communications. “It’s about making sure people understand the full scope of care we provide and empowering every team member to say with pride: this is who we are, and this is the care every person in our community deserves.”
Looking Ahead: A Bold Vision for the Future
Guests were given a preview of Lakeridge Health’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, which outlines a bold vision for the future of care in Durham Region. The plan focuses on delivering exceptional, connected care, fostering a strong and supportive culture for staff, advancing innovation and technology, and strengthening leadership in education and research. A broader public launch of the strategic plan will take place later this spring.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Organization
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Values in Action Awards, recognizing individuals who exemplify Lakeridge Health’s core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Teamwork and Joy.
Selected from more than 200 peer nominations, this year’s recipients reflect the exceptional dedication and impact of teams across the organization:
-
Compassion: Kelson Augustine, Patient Care Manager, Integrated Stroke Unit
-
Innovation: Dr. Shannon Fernando, Critical Care Physician and Medical Director, Trauma Program
-
Inclusion: Kathy MacLeod-Beaver, Indigenous Navigator, Central East Regional Cancer Program
-
Teamwork: Joanne Jouvin, Mental Health Clinical Lead, Outpatient Program, Child, Youth and Family Program
-
Joy: Julie Thomson, Pharmacy Technician
The event also recognized recipients of the National Volunteer Week Certificates of Appreciation, celebrating those who play a key role in supporting volunteer engagement and enhancing the patient experience. Congratulations go out to:
-
Brittni Whelan, Patient Care Manager, Oshawa Emergency Department
-
Tammy Henderson, Unit Coordinator, Ambulatory Care Unit, Ajax Pickering Hospital
Honouring Community Impact and Philanthropy
A moving tribute highlighted the importance of community partnership and philanthropy, with Lyn Dunlop-Coughlan sharing the legacy of her late husband, Jerry Coughlan. A visionary community builder, Jerry contributed nearly $15 million to Lakeridge Health foundations and an additional $5 million to Grandview Kids – making him one of the most significant contributors to health care in the region’s history.
“This evening was a powerful reminder of what makes Lakeridge Health so extraordinary – our people and our partnerships,” said President and CEO Cindy Davis. “The energy in the room, the stories shared, and the connections made reflect the heart of our organization and the future we are building together.”
Chief of Staff Dr. Randy Wax added, “Bringing our teams, partners and community together in this way reinforces what sets us apart – a shared commitment to delivering connected, compassionate care. When we come together as one system, we are stronger for the patients and communities we serve.”
Learn more about the This is Lakeridge Health campaign on the Lakeridge Health website.