In 2017, BusinessWest launched a brand new recognition program to acknowledge folks working within the area's massive and critically vital healthcare sector.

After a lot deliberation, we selected the title Healthcare Heroes. Since then, many have requested, “How do you outline a hero?”

Our reply has all the time been easy, direct and one thing like this: we don't outline 'hero', you do.

That’s why, over time, we’ve honored a various group of people and teams who, within the eyes of those that nominated them, are true heroes for the methods they enhance the standard of life for these they contact. And the category of 2024 continues that custom.

We inform the tales of eight healthcare heroes. They’re all totally different, however all of them have one factor in widespread: a ardour for his or her work and the flexibility to alter lives.

Go HERE to view the Healthcare Heroes 2024 digital flipbook

Click on on the names under to learn the tales of this 12 months's Healthcare Heroes:

Dr. Andrew Balder

Attending Doctor at Baystate Mason Sq. Neighborhood Well being Middle, honored within the Lifetime Achievement class for his tireless efforts on behalf of historically underserved populations, with a selected deal with the homeless inhabitants and toddler mortality, maternal and youngster well being, and start outcomes;

Bernice Drumheller

Former President of NAMI Western Massachusetts, additionally a Lifetime Achievement Winner. Pushed by her son Mark's struggle, she has turn out to be a tireless advocate for folks with psychological sickness and their households;

Lucinda Canty

Affiliate Professor of Nursing and Director of the Seedworks Well being Fairness Program at UMass Amherst, acknowledged within the Neighborhood Well being class for her efforts to enhance well being fairness for historically underserved girls of colour;

Peta Gaye Johnson

Director of Healthcare Workforce Initiatives for the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, acknowledged within the Collaboration class for his tireless work—and with a variety of companions—to assist guarantee a dependable pipeline of healthcare employees

Maggie King

Occupational Therapist at Baystate Well being, acknowledged within the Caregiver class for her ardour and compassion in her work within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She not solely cares for newborns, but additionally helps dad and mom throughout what could be the most annoying time of their lives;

Alexa Mignano

Director of College-Primarily based Medical Providers at River Valley Counseling Middle, acknowledged within the Collaborative class for increasing an efficient – and much-needed – psychological well being program for college kids in some 70 colleges;

Dr. Laki Rousou

Chief of Thoracic Surgical procedure, Chief of Robotic Surgical procedure and Medical Director of the Lung Most cancers Screening Program at Mercy Medical Middle, Honored within the Innovation Class for Utilizing Superior Know-how and Screening to Scale back Mortality Charges from an All-Too-Deadly Illness

Janet Williams

Professor of Biology at Elms School, distinguished within the Training class, whose work in biology has influenced a technology of nursing and well being science graduates and has had a major impression on the well being care sector regionally and past

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