Healthcare Heroes 2024
Back in 2017, BusinessWest created a new recognition program to recognize those working in the region’s large, and critically important, healthcare sector.
After much deliberation, we settled on the name Healthcare Heroes, and since then, many have asked the question, ‘how do you define hero?’
Our answer has always been simple, direct, and something along these lines: we don’t define ‘hero,’ you do.
Which explains why, over the years, we’ve honored a diverse cast of individuals and groups that are, in the eyes of those nominating them, true heroes for the ways in which they improve quality of life for those they touch. And the class of 2024 continues this tradition.
We tell the stories of eight Healthcare Heroes, each one different, but with common threads, especially a passion for their work and an ability to change lives.
Go HERE to see the 2024 Healthcare Heroes Digital Flipbook
Click on the names below to read each story of this years Healthcare Heroes:
Photo Gallery of the October 17, 2024 Event
Dr. Andrew Balder
Attending physician at Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center, honored in the Lifetime Achievement category for working tirelessly on behalf of those who are traditionally underserved, with a specific focus on the homeless population and infant mortality, child maternal health, and birth outcomes;
Bernice Drumheller
Past president of NAMI Western Massachusetts, another honoree in the Lifetime Achievement category, who, driven by the struggles of her son, Mark, has become a tireless advocate for those with mental illness and their families;
Lucinda Canty
Associate professor of Nursing and director of the Seedworks Health Equity Program at UMass Amherst, honored in the Community Health category for her efforts to improve health equity for traditionally underserved women of color;
Peta-Gaye Johnson
Director of Healthcare Workforce Initiatives for the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, honored in the Collaboration category for working tirelessly — and with a wide array of partners — to help ensure there is a reliable pipeline of healthcare workers
Presenting Sponsors
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