“I'm hoping that people see us as defenders of our community and protectors of the community and their health.”
Adeline Hambley received the 2025 Jean Chabut Health Policy Champion award from the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership.
In 2022 Hambley was approved as Ottawa County Administrative Health Officer but by February 2023 a newly seated county board led by a majority called Ottawa Impact attempted to replace her and cut her department’s funding.
Hambley went public about the health impacts and filed a lawsuit alleging they were interfering with her statutory duties.
There was debate over a $4 million payment if she resigned.
After a 14-month fight ending in mediation, Hambley retained her position.
This week Hambley said receiving the award feels validating because the position of health officer should be free of political encroachment.
“It isn't a political position. Certainly, some of the actions that we take people may not be happy with, but it's not a political bent. It's a protection of health for everyone in the community, including the most vulnerable.”
