Healthcare Heroes

On May 19, 2011, a local group of healthcare professionals set aside a couple of hours to honor the caregivers in their lives.  HAPPEN, (Healthcare Associates Providing Positive Education and Networking), is a non-profit association of healthcare providers, with a membership of over 300 individuals representing 150 companies and organizations.  This group was formed over 11 years ago, to further healthcare education and networking efforts for our senior population in the Treasure Valley. 

Membership includes representatives from area Hospitals, Long Term Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Hospice, Home Health and Home Care Agencies, Durable Medical Equipment, Transportation Companies, Referral Service Companies, Insurance Companies, Senior News Publications, and various support service companies throughout the Treasure Valley area.  In 2007, HAPPEN launched the 1st annual “I Make it HAPPEN” Caregiver of the Year Awards. Since then, they have honored 112 caregivers throughout the valley at an annual luncheon, providing educational scholarships to 33 caregivers.


This award was initiated to recognize those individuals who provide outstanding care to those who are unable to care for themselves.  These individuals go above and beyond their normal job descriptions to provide professional, caring services to enhance the quality of their clients’/patients’ lives. Their work is often difficult and thankless.  These caregivers are nominated by their companies, clients and others in the community, and are judged in 5 categories: 
 
    1) Heart – passion for the job and going the extra mile;
    2) Dependability – attendance and reliability;
    3) Appearance – professional and appropriate;
    4) Accountability – ethics and honesty, and
    5) Longevity— at least 1 year of service with their current employer.
 
This award is given to one Certified Nursing Assistant and one Personal Care Attendant chosen from the field of nominees. Past winners of this award have received life-changing, full-ride scholarships for educational opportunities, monetary gifts, and gift certificates.  All nominee finalists are recognized for their excellence in healthcare at this special luncheon given in their honor. A Better Way Home Hospice & Palliative Care congratulates all 38 caregivers honored at this year’s event, including our own Diane Mazzeo, CNA.  We are so proud of her!!!