Shalonda R. Knox is community health improvement coordinator for the Peoria City/County Health Department, where she designs, coordinates and delivers programs to positively impact the health and well-being of families in the Peoria area. During her short tenure, she has been instrumental in bringing together the Substance Abuse Coalition to address a growing problem in the community. She has also been a leader in providing the community access to innovative programs like the Healthy Living Kiosk, as well as organizing informational training sessions for local healthcare representatives.
An adjunct instructor at Illinois Central College, Knox is responsible for the clinical preparation of nursing students in a variety of healthcare settings. Her passion for nursing is also reflected in having founded the “Nursing Is a Calling” scholarship at St. Paul Baptist Church, where she volunteers as parish nurse. A member of the National Association of County and City Health Officials and National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurses Association, she serves on the Illinois Public Health Association Membership Committee and the Illinois Public Health Institute’s Health and Active Communities Network.
Knox is also involved in a range of community service initiatives. She is a founding member, chairperson and community liaison for the Susan G. Komen Circle of Promise Minority Breast Health Advisory Board, and has been involved in planning the annual Circle of Promise Survivor, Caregiver and Friends Breakfast. She chairs the Pray for the Cure Committee, serves as a mentor for Peoria Promise, and is a board member of the Pediatric Resource Center, Crittenton Centers and Mental Health America of Illinois Valley.
Among her honors, Knox has received the Susan G. Komen Volunteer of the Year Award and the Dr. Jean Aldag Award from the Central Illinois Agency on Aging. She was also named an Outstanding Volunteer at the Komen Memorial Affiliate’s Pink Promise Celebration. iBi
