Go For Health Chair
Gord Smith is a finalist for the prestigious 2011 3M Health Leadership Award (Health Nexus). He 
was honoured on December 5 for his leadership and committment to Windsor-Essex. Read on to learn more about his great accomplishments and contributions.
If there is one word that sums up Gord’s involvement with Go For Health Windsor-Essex (GFH) it has to be “passionate”.
In 1993 Gord had triple by-pass surgery following a near heart attack. Gord had not been aware of the risk factors for heart disease and he had most of them – an ex-smoker, little exercise, poor diet, stressful work, and a family history of angina.
After the operation Gord tooka pause to examine his lifestyle which resulted in a change of employment, a walking regimen, and a change of diet.
Gord had always found time while raising six children to volunteer and following his heart surgery it continued, but took on a new focus – health promotion.
Since 1993 he has been a volunteer with the local chapter of the Heart and Stroke Foundation and was a strong advocate for anti-smoking legislation. In 2003, Gord was recognized by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario who presented him with the Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Volunteer Achievement.
During his term as President of the local chapter of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, he became interested in the formation of local Heart Health networks. He was appointed Vice-Chair of Health Action Windsor-Essex (HAWE) and Chair of their Workplace Committee. Gord served as Chair of HAWE from 2001 until it was dissolved in 2009.
Retirement from full-time employment provided Gord with more flexibility and time to devote to health promotion.
The high prevalence of chronic disease in Windsor and Essex County prompted Gord to form the Steering Committee in 2006, to advocate for a Call to Action. With Gord, as Chair, Go For Health Windsor-Essex was launched in 2007. With the focus on advocating for policies that support and encourage healthy living in all sectors of the community, GFH became the first coalition in Canada with this mandate.
Although his main interest is workplace wellness, Gord is well aware of the need to educate our children in developing healthy lifestyles. He believes the Ministry of Education, and local school boards must play a greater role in developing awareness in future generations to eat well, be active, and stay smoke-free.
Gord’s vision is a time when all citizens of Windsor and Essex County are striving to reach their optimum level of health, and are living disease and injury-free.
Gord continues to be Chair of GFH and is a proud spokesperson for the volunteers and professionals representing the over 35 community partners that have contributed to the achievements of the GFH coalition. He also serves on several other health-related committees.
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