After years of mental health advocacy, Matthew Heneghan of Falkland has been honoured with the province's Medal of Good Citizenship. 

Heneghan is one of 18 receiving the award in 2024 for their extraordinary contributions for their communities. 

"蜑These 18 people have made a profound impact on their communities and a positive difference in the lives of so many," said Premier David Eby. "By sharing their time, energy and talents, they are making B.C. a better place. Their selfless generosity is a model for us all and I thank them for it."

The Medal of Good Citizenship celebrates individuals who have acted in a generous, kind or selfless manner for the betterment of their communities without expectation of reward. It was established by the provincial government in 2015. 

Heneghan is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and a former paramedic. Due to numerous traumatic events in his life, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in the late 2000's. 

The 41-year-old was a pallbearer for a fallen comrade killed by a suicide bomber, and was selected as a member of the honour guard for another fallen soldier. 

After the loss of his mother and sister to suicide, Heneghan's grief turned into action as he authored a poignant memoir, A Medic's Mind. The book tells the story of his journey through addiction, sobriety, confronting his traumatic past and the challenges of mental health. 

A vocal advocate for mental health awareness, Heneghan volunteers with The Memory Project, a speaker's bureau that arranges for veterans and Canadian Forces members to share their stories of military service at schools and community events across the country. 

Through his speaking engagements, books and podcasts, Heneghan works to destigmatize mental health and encourage open conversations. 

Below is the list of the 17 other recipients for 2024:

• Louise Allen- East Vancouver
• Helen Campbell and Bill Erving- Saanich
• Janice Dallaire- Invermere
• Mary Daniel- Port Moody
• Dale Douglas and Murray Stewart- Victoria
• Rabiah Dhaliwal- Surrey
• Donna Furneaux- Qualicum Beach
• Steve Hamilton- Prince George
• Jim Kojima- Richmond
• Christopher Lee- Vancouver
• Reihaneh Mirjani- Coquitlam
• Margaret Mubanda- Surrey
• Lawrence Napier- Mackenize
• Thelma Rodriguez- Pitt Meadows
• Carla Stephenson- Ymir