HU nominated for 2017 Vitality Award

On behalf of Huntington University, Dr. Ruth Ford, Associate Dean of Health Sciences / Occupational Therapy Doctorate Director, and Dr. Diana Shenefield, Director of Nursing / Assistant Professor of Nursing, accepted a certificate of nomination for McMillen Health’s 2017 Vitality Awards. The nominees and award recipients were honored during an October 11 luncheon ceremony at the Parkview Mirro Center.

“We are appreciative of the opportunity to tell the good news of Huntington University’s impact on our region through our health science programs. Nursing and occupational therapy students, faculty and staff continue to excel and be recognized for their great work,” stated Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, President of Huntington University.

The McMillen Heath Vitality Awards honor individuals and businesses dedicated to creating a vital, healthy community in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. Businesses, professionals and volunteers working in the areas of health care, health education, wellness and prevention will be recognized for their efforts to make an impact in the community. McMillen Heath began presenting the Vitality Awards in 2012, but this is the first year businesses or organizations were eligible.

“We felt the need to bring the community together to recognize all of the good work that is happening every day in the world of health – such as education, prevention, and wellness,” stated Jenn Storey, McMillen Health’s Director of Marketing. “McMillen has been around since 1981 and we have the opportunity to meet many of the people making a difference. We wanted to give the rest of the community the chance to nominate those they have noticed doing exceptional work.”

“I learned about the McMillen Health Vitality Awards and noted that this year they were recognizing organizations for the first time. Being familiar with all that HU is doing to advance health and wellness education in northeast Indiana – from undergraduate nursing degrees to occupational therapy doctorates – HU seemed like a perfect nominee,” stated Ed Vessels, who nominated Huntington University and serves on its Foundation Board. “I felt it was a good way for the northeast Indiana region to learn more about all that HU is doing to advance health care education and align with regional initiatives promoting health, wellness and talent retention.”

Other nominees in the Business Category besides Huntington University included Do it Best Corp., Fort Wayne Housing Authority, The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation’s HEAL Team, ICAN & Paytons Place and Parkview Physicians Group – Integrative Medicine.

The Vitality Awards also serve as a fundraiser for McMillen Health to help close the funding gap for its programming. The actual cost per student, per program is approximately $18, however, McMillen Health asks that schools pay only $5. The actual cost is very difficult for most school systems to cover. 

Photo: Dr. Diana Shenefield, Director of Nursing / Assistant Professor of Nursing; Dr. Ruth Ford, Associate Dean of Health Sciences / Occupational Therapy Doctorate Director; and Holli Seabury, Ed.D., CEO of McMillen Health