Lillie Johnson

Lillie Johnson, (born March 16, 1922) is a Jamaican Canadian nurse and public health advocate. Recognized as the first Black Director of Public Health in Ontario, Johnson's work focused on advocating for patients with sickle cell disease.

Born in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica, she began her career as an elementary school teacher. At 29 years old, Johnson moved to Edinburgh, Scotland to pursue nursing. Johnson migrated to Ontario, Canada in 1960 to work as a nurse after practicing in England, Jamaica and America.

In 1981, Johnson founded the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario to provide outreach and advocacy programs not previously available in the region.

Honours
In 2023, she was made an Member of the Order of Canada for her contribution to public health.