Home Care Hero Awards

Nominate a Peer for Home Care Employee of the Year!

OAHC is now accepting nominations for its annual Hope Runnels and Home Care Employee of the Year Awards. Nominate those who demonstrate outstanding service in home care. Recognize and honor your peers for all the wonderful work they do on behalf of home care. Awards will be presented during the awards luncheon on May 31st in Newport, Oregon. 

Nomination for 2025 Awards Available Spring 2025

 

 2024 Award Winners  |  Award Categories


 2024 Hope Runnel's Award

Kristy Haun, RN, MSN
Coastal Home Health & Hospice

Excellence in Patient Care
Kristy stands out for her exceptional patient care, demonstrating a profound commitment to each individual’s well-being. She consistently goes above and beyond, providing compassionate and personalized attention. Her ability to listen attentively and empathize with patients’ concerns has earned her widespread trust and respect. With a deep understanding of medical knowledge, she applies the latest evidence-based practices, ensuring the highest standard of care. Kristy dedication to continuous learning and improvement in the medical field is evident in her interactions with both patients and colleagues. Kristy holistic approach to healthcare, prioritizing both physical and emotional needs, truly embodies the essence of excellence in patient care.

Excellence in Teamwork
Kristy is a paragon of teamwork, fostering a collaborative environment that inspires collective success. Her inclusive leadership style encourages open communication, ensuring every team member’s voice is heard and valued. She adeptly coordinates efforts, aligning individual strengths to achieve common goals. With a talent for mediating conflicts, she maintains harmony and focus within the team. Kristy commitment to mutual support and shared learning has led to significant advancements in their projects. By championing trust, respect, and cooperation, Kristy has not only enhanced team dynamics but also driven remarkable outcomes, making them an exemplary model of teamwork excellence.

Excellence in Supporting Their Organization
Kristy Haun has been instrumental in bolstering Coastal Home Health & Hospice mission and values. Her unwavering support is evident in the proactive approach to problem-solving and her ability to anticipate organizational needs. She is a reliable cornerstone for her colleagues, offering guidance and assistance with generosity and expertise. Kristy innovative strategies have streamlined processes, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. She embodies the spirit of service, often volunteering for initiatives that enhance the organization’s community presence.  Her exceptional organizational skills and dedication to fostering a positive work environment have significantly contributed to the organization’s success and morale. Kristy impact extends beyond her immediate responsibilities, making her a true asset to the organization.

Excellence in Dedication to Their Profession
Kristy's dedication to her profession is exemplary. She has shown an unwavering commitment to education, continually seeking knowledge and sharing it with peers. Her advocacy work has brought about meaningful changes, addressing key issues with passion and persistence. In the community, she is a beacon of hope, leading initiatives that have a lasting impact on societal well-being. Kristy volunteer efforts are marked by selflessness and a drive to make a difference. Her actions reflect a deep-seated belief in her profession’s power to transform lives, and her tireless efforts have not only advanced her field but also enriched the lives of those she serves. Kristy dedication is a testament to her professional ethos.


Congratulations to our 2024 Award Recipients!

  President's Award - Jamie Daugherty, MBA, BSN, RN

 

Nurse of the Year - Lorena Berg, RN
Sky Lakes Home Health

 

Therapist of the Year - Laurie Spellman
Signature Healthcare at Home Eugene Hospice

 

Support Staff of the Year - Toni Placensia
Coastal Home Health and Hospice

 

Home Health Aide of the Year - Marisol Correa
Providence Benedictine Home Health

 

MSW of the Year - Rosanne O'Connor
Providence Benedictine Home Health


Annual Award Categories

Home Care Employees

Nurse of the Year:
This award shall be open to all membership for nomination and shall be given to the registered nurse or licensed practical nurse whose direct patient care service is exemplary.

2023 Recipient: Elise Parsons, RN, CWON, Coastal Home Health & Hospice

Therapist of the Year:
This award shall be open to all membership for nomination and shall be given to an occupational therapist, speech therapist, physical therapist or a medical social worker that provides direct patient care service in an outstanding manner. Other therapy categories may also be included.

2023 Recipient: Kyle Sultzer, PT, Signature Healthcare at Home

Home Health Aide of the Year:
This award shall be open to all membership for nomination and shall be given to the home health aide whose direct patient care service is exemplary.

2023 Recipient: Christie Weigart, Kaiser Home Health

Support Staff of the Year:
This award shall be open to all membership for nomination and shall be given to a support staff person, such as medical records or health information personnel, receptionist, customer service staff or an assistant who stands out beyond all others.

2023 Recipient: Shauna Brown, Signature Healthcare at Home

Volunteer of the Year:
This award shall be open to all membership for nomination and shall be given to a volunteer who gives unconditionally of him or herself.

2023 Recipient: None given

MSW of the Year:
This award shall be open to all membership for nomination and shall be given to a medical social worker that provides direct patient care services in an outstanding manner.

2023 Recipient: Rachelle Preston, MSW, LCSW, Kaiser Home Health

Physician of the Year:
This award shall be open to all membership for nomination and shall be given to a physician whose direct patient care service is exemplary.

2023 Recipient: Dr. Patrick Tandingan, Sacred Heart Hospice

Chaplain of the Year:
This award shall be open to all membership for nomination and shall be given to a chaplain in the hospice field whose direct patient and family service is exemplary.

2023 Recipient: None given

Hospice Coordinator of the Year:
This award shall be open to all membership for nomination and shall be given to a hospice coordinator person, such as volunteer coordinator or bereavement coordinator, who stands out beyond all others.

2023 Recipient: None given

Leadership Awards

Hope Runnels Award:
The Hope Runnels award was created in 1980 in honor of Faith “Hope” Runnels. Hope devoted much of her life to building the home health care industry in Oregon and was a co-founder of OAHC. Hope was one of 57,000 nurses to be awarded a Bronze Star for valor in combat during World War II. She was the 14-year executive director of the Visiting Nurse Association and was instrumental in the development of Portland’s first hospice program. Hope Runnels passed away in July of 2001, but her lasting legacy as a powerful force in home care will forever live in the embodiment of this award. 

This award shall be open to the OAHC membership for the nomination of an individual in a management role who demonstrates outstanding leadership, service and achievement as a pioneer in furthering the scope of home health services in Oregon.

President's Award:
This award is given to an individual for outstanding contribution to the home care community and the Oregon Association for Home Care.

2023 Recipient: Shaune Mattsson, RN, MBA, Providence Home & Community Care

Legislative Award:
The purpose of this award is to recognize effective advocacy and leadership in furthering the interests of home care and hospice in the legislative arena (either state or federal).

Any work that either introduces, supports or educates legislative bodies on the needs/interests of the home care and hospice industry (I.e. Introduction of legislation; legislation co-sponsorship; serve on a committee that affects the outcomes of bills / legislative activities; lobby elected officials to support legislation related to home care).

Eligible awardees may be:
*State or Federal elected officials such as Representatives, Senators, Mayors, Governors, etc.
*Employees working in the home care field,
*Volunteers, patients and / or families who utilize and support home care services.

2023 Recipient: Kerry Joyce, RN, MSN, Bay Area Hospital Home Health