Thanks to all who submitted nominations in 2023 for Olympic Community of Health's first-ever Health Transformation Awards. Each of you deserves recognition for the good work you’re doing. These awards honor six partners who are transforming health in the Olympic region.
Photo: Brent Simcosky, Health Director, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe
Amplifier Award:
Brent Simcosky, Health Director, and the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe went above and beyond to educate the community and collaborate with individuals in order to establish their Healing Clinic. Their efforts to support full-spectrum care through wraparound services, childcare, a new mobile unit, and other resources demonstrates their commitment to transforming healthcare. The Tribe continues to engage with decision makers at all levels to gain support and funding for their important work.
Photo: Dr. Suzy Ames, President of Peninsula College
Expand the Table Award:
Peninsula College has faculty and staff members who prioritize working with community partners in order to expand access to healthcare and wraparound services for students on their Forks, Port Angeles, and Port Townsend campuses. Healthy students are more likely to complete their educational journey and potentially join the health-serving workforce, expanding the regional recruitment pool. OCH appreciates our new partnership with the college and their leadership in our community.
Photo: Pete Brummel, Deputy Fire Chief, East Jefferson Fire and Rescue
Future is Bright Award:
The East Jefferson Fire Rescue CARES Unit has become indispensable to the communities they serve since launching January 1, 2023. Staff are well-trained, empathetic, responsive, and kind. The FIRE CARES unit has helped clients accomplish a range of tasks from getting a phone to reaching a distant doctor’s appointment. Thanks to them, the future is looking brighter for rural health outcomes.
Photo: Cindy Hare-Willis, Peninsula Community Health Services
Stronger Together Award:
Jennifer Kreidler-Moss (not pictured), of Peninsula Community Health Services, is an advocate for her organization AND for the individuals served by that organization. She has great integrity, a will of iron, and an unstoppable need to stand for what she believes is right. She has strong connections with other providers, political figures, and health plans. With programs like Stand By Me, a partnership with Salvation Army, her organization demonstrates the power of being stronger together. She and her team ensure that those who are often overlooked are not ignored.
Photo: Stephanie Akin, Reflections Counseling Services Group
Thrive Award:
Stephanie Akin of Reflections Counseling Services Group received five nominations. Nominators noted her tenacity and perseverance in connecting people in desperate need of services to care. Her work saves lives as she uplifts those who are surviving so they may begin thriving. This person is a rising star and a beacon of hope.
Photo: Carlos Osorio, Outreach and Navigation Manager North Olympic Healthcare Network
Thrive Award:
The people who nominated Carlos Osorio of North Olympic Healthcare Network listed many accomplishments. To name a few, Carlos found a way to deliver locking pill dispensers to a group of patients who needed them. They always ensure their mobile health clinic is where it is needed most; and they partnered with an organization to bring phones, tablets and Internet directly to community residents. Carlos is a fierce advocate for healthy people, thriving communities.
Thank you!
To all our partners: We celebrate and appreciate your hard work, commitment, creativity, innovation and compassion. Together, we support a future of healthier people and thriving communities.