AHCA Announces 2019 Award Recipients

The American Health Care Association (AHCA) announced the recipients for the 2019 AHCA Awards program today. Each year, AHCA recognizes the men and women who selflessly care for individuals in long term and post-acute care centers, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) residences. These honorees demonstrate selflessness, compassion, and strive to enhance the lives of seniors and individuals with disabilities in their communities.

The 2019 AHCA Awards recipients are:

• Hero of the Year- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Barbara Smith, Valley Village, Winnetka, California
• Not for Profit Program of the Year: Good Samaritan Society- Ambassador, New Hope, Minnesota
• Not for Profit Trustee Award: Dave Gessel, Mission Health Services, West Valley City, Utah
• Adult Volunteer of the Year: Richard Cole, LACOBA Homes, Inc., Monett, Missouri
• Group Volunteer of the Year: Friends of Good Samaritan Society- Scotland, Good Samaritan Society- Scotland, Scotland, South Dakota
• Young Adult Volunteer of the Year: Railey Connor, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation, Crestview, Florida

The Hero of the Year award recognizes an individual who works or volunteers in an ICF/IID facility or HCBS Waiver Homes and has shown commitment and dedication to serving people with ID/DD.

The Not for Profit Program of the Year award highlights a specific program that adds value to the care of individuals within a community.

The Not for Profit Trustee award honors a not for profit trustee committed to faithfully carrying out functions of the board and dedicated to improving the lives of frail and vulnerable individuals.

The Volunteer of the Year program seeks to honor a young adult (under 19), an adult, and a group organization that have served in a volunteer capacity for more than one year and have made a positive contribution to residents and staff of a care center.

Award recipients will be honored at the AHCA/NCAL 70th Convention​ in Orlando on October 16, 2019.