DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – Four individuals in St. Louis County were awarded for their achievements focusing on improving different aspects of public health from human trafficking to parental substance abuse.
Christina Trok, Mel Alvar, Dr. Jan Baldwin, and Nathan Kesti received the 2025 St. Louis County Public Health Achievement Awards Tuesday at the St. Louis County Courthouse.
Kesti is Downtown Duluth’s Outreach Specialist, who was recognized for his work focusing on homelessness.
“When this position came to be, I know there were some concerns within the community about the business district having an outreach worker,” said Kesti.
Since its inception in 2022, the position has adapted to serving everyone in downtown Duluth, especially the unhoused population.
“Sometimes people feel like they burnt too many bridges or their family doesn’t care anymore,” said Kesti. “When that opportunity comes to reconnect people with family, and see them thrive in a safe, supporting environment.”
Kesti has helped more than 70 individuals get into housing, 100 become employed, and 55 find treatment.
“We have people who are taking the time to check on people that don’t necessarily want to go in,” said St. Louis County Commissioner Mike Jugovich. “Don’t necessarily want to get checked on, but it’s important we have these community members because without it, people slip through the cracks.”
Kesti regularly works with CHUM, the Damiano Center, the Duluth Police Department and other organizations. He believes through these partnerships is where he will find continued success.
“The biggest part is to really just build off the collaboration and then making sure advocating for folks, whether it’s housing situations or creating the right environments for people to be safe,” said Kesti.
Kesti walks about eight miles every single day to get to know those he works with more closely.
Click here to download the Northern News Now app or our Northern News Now First Alert weather app.
Copyright 2025 Northern News Now. All rights reserved.