Page 20 - BusinessWest April 27, 2020

COVID-19/HEALTHCARE HEROES >>
SBusinessWest, HCN to Honor Heroes of COVID-19
ince the phrase COVID-19 came into our lexi- emerged this year, and we • Truck drivers deliver- con, those working in the broad healthcare invite you to nominate one ing supplies to hospitals and field have emerged as the true heroes during — or several — for what has other providers.
a pandemic that has changed every facet of life as become a very prestigious These are just a few exam-
we know it.
And over the past several months, the world has
paid tribute to these heroes, and in all kinds of ways — from applauding in unison from apartment-com- plex windows to bringing hot meals to hospital and nursing-home workers; from donating much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) to people put- ting hearts on their front lawns and mailboxes to thank first responders, healthcare workers, postal workers, and others.
BusinessWest and its sister publication, the Health- care News, will pay tribute in their own way, by dedi- cating their annual Healthcare Heroes program in 2020 to those who are have emerged as true heroes during this crisis.
Healthcare Heroes was launched by the two pub- lications in 2017 to recognize those working in this all-important sector of the region’s economy, many of whom are overlooked when it comes to traditional recognition programs. Over the years, the program has recognized providers, administrators, emerging leaders, innovators, and collaborators.
For 2020, the program will shift its focus some- what to the COVID-19 pandemic and all those who are working in the healthcare field or helping to assist it at this trying time. All manner of heroes have
honor in Western Mass.: the Healthcare Heroes award.
Here are some examples of those who have become real heroes:
• Doctors and nurses;
• Emergency-room personnel, including doctors, nurses, orderlies, techs, triage, receptionists, and others;
• EMTs;
• Police and firefighters;
• Nursing-home personnel, everyone from front-
line providers to administrators;
• End-of-life care providers;
• Administrators leading the efforts to battle the
pandemic;
• Behavioral-health practitioners helping people
and families navigate this crisis;
• Individuals and groups from our community
who have stepped up to help healthcare workers with everything from hot meals to PPE;
• Companies that have pivoted and commenced production of materials such as PPE to help those in healthcare confront the pandemic;
• Scientists working behind the scenes to develop a vaccine or new types of PPE; and
ples, and there are myriad others. In truth, everyone who goes to work in a hospi- tal, nursing home, assisted- living facility, or other health- care facility, thereby risking
their own health, and perhaps their life, is a hero.
In many respects, all these heroes will be honored
at the Healthcare Heroes event, now scheduled for this fall at the Springfield Sheraton. And to honor all of them, we want to bring to the podium a number of individuals and groups that represent everyone who has become a hero in these trying times.
To assist those thinking of nominating someone for this honor, we are simplifying the process. All we desire is a 400- to 500-word essay and/or two-minute video entry explaining why the group or individual stands out as an inspiration, and a truly bright star in a galaxy of healthcare heroes. These nominations will be carefully considered by a panel of independent judges, who will select the class of 2020.
The deadline for nominations is July 1. For more information on how to nominate someone for the Healthcare Heroes class of 2020, visit businesswest. com/healthcare-heroes/nomination-form. Videos can be sent via dropbox to [email protected]. u
HONORING THE HEROES OF COVID-19
HEALTHCARE
HEROES
OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
A Program of BusinessWest and Healthcare News
Now Accepting Nominations! Nomination Deadline: July 1, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed every facet of life as we know it. But through it all, healthcare workers and those on the front lines have emerged as true heroes. We are dedicating this year’s Healthcare Heroes Awards to them. Join us in nominating, thanking and celebrating our heroes.
For nomination info, visit:
• www.businesswest.com/healthcare-heroes/ nomination-form/
• www.healthcarenews.com/healthcare- heroes-nomination-form/
Healthcare Heroes Awards
Fall 2020 | Sheraton Springfield
413.781.8600 www.businesswest.com www.healthcarenews.com
Sponsorship Opportunities Available. Call 413.781.8600
20 APRIL 27, 2020
COVID-19 SPECIAL COVERAGE
BusinessWest