Healthcare Hero nominations for annual award are open

FALLBROOK – Any person who resides in Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow or DeLuz is invited to submit the name of an individual who they think is deserving of being named Healthcare Hero 2013. A nominee could be anyone. It could be a volunteer, a staff person in a health service office, a co-worker, a neighbor, a spouse, a friend – someone outstanding in their endeavors to make a contribution to and a difference in, the health of others.

This annual program honors two individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the health and well-being of the residents of this community. The nominee does not have to live in Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow or DeLuz, but their work must be of direct benefit to those who do.

The beneficiaries of the service of the nominee can be men, women and/or children. Those benefitting could be an individual, a family or a group of people. Age of those benefiting from the service is not a factor. The important factor is that the service contributes to health and well-being and is outstanding in its demonstration on a continuous and/or an exceptional circumstance basis.

This is the fifth year of the Healthcare Hero program of the Fallbrook Healthcare District. There have been eight remarkable persons who have each been nominated by people of this community. Previous Healthcare Heroes include Don Luallin and Madelyn Lewis, 2009; Janine Loescher and Lucy Taylor, 2010; in 2011, Myriam Padilla and Marilyn Qualls and in 2012, Irene Escobedo and Brad Gilpin.

The award consists of a personalized plaque; recognition published in local media; inscription on Healthcare Hero perpetuity plaque and honorary participation in healthcare events of the district throughout the year. There is no monetary award. Under the Local Health Care District Law of the State of California codes and regulation, public funds cannot be given to an individual.

The nominee submission form has been streamlined to a single page. A photo, newspaper article, certificate or other item may be attached in support of a nominee. Submitters may ask others to endorse their nominee by signing the form too. All submissions will be acknowledged by notice to the person(s) nominating.

Nominations must be received by the Fallbrook Healthcare District by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 27. The simple one page nomination form can be obtained by contacting the Fallbrook Healthcare District at (760) 731-9187 or [email protected]. It is also available on the district’s newly launched website, http://www.fallbrookhealthcaredistrict.net

Names of nominees will not be published. The identity of Healthcare Heroes 2013 will be revealed in the presentation of the awards at the Community Collaborative Breakfast on Jan. 26, 2013.