HCR ManorCare Launches National Champion of Caring Program

First Champion Announced
"I am pleased to announce that our first HCR ManorCare Champion of Caring is Lorna Downer, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at ManorCare Health Services in New Providence, New Jersey," said Steve Cavanaugh, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "I congratulate and thank her for exhibiting the true spirit of caring that defines our company." Lorna has been a CNA at ManorCare – New Providence for 34 years. After many hard years of caring and supporting siblings as a surrogate mother in her native Jamaica, Lorna found her health care calling soon after arriving in America and training to become a CNA.

Over her long tenure with our company, co-workers have recognized her dependability, energy and compassion. Patients and families have recognized her positive attitude, ever-present smile, and the sense of security and comfort she affords them. She has had to endure personal hardships, but at no time did she waiver or change in the way she went about her calling as a hardworking, dedicated caregiver. She has served as a stellar role model for the young individuals starting their health care careers and aspiring to be quality caregivers.

Lorna was chosen from among seven finalists, each representing one of HCR ManorCare's operating divisions. Each of the finalists had already distinguished her- or himself by being chosen a Divisional Champion of Caring from among thousands of employees. The six other finalists:

• Michael Arthur, Dietary Aide, Heartland of Westerville, Ohio RC
  
• Tanya Beaver, Home Health Aide, Heartland Hospice of Kenosha, Wisconsin
  
• Agnes Dabb, Nurse Supervisor, ManorCare Nursing and Rehab Center – Kingsford, Michigan
  
• Renita Horne, Activities Assistant, ManorCare Health Services – Ruxton, Maryland
  
• Oralia (Sonia) Rodriguez, Housekeeping Aide, ManorCare Health Services – Elk Grove Village, Illinois
  
• Griselda Ruiz, Resident Caregiver/Med Tech, Arden Courts of Austin, Texas

Each of our finalists had the qualities we were looking for in an HCR ManorCare Champion of Caring. We congratulate Lorna, our HCR ManorCare Champion of Caring, and also her peer finalists. All are winners.

The HCR ManorCare health care family comprises locations that are leading providers of short-term, post-acute services and long-term care. More than 50,000 caregivers nationwide provide quality care for patients and residents through a network of nearly 500 skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, memory care communities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and hospice and home health care agencies. These locations operate primarily under the respected Heartland, ManorCare Health Services and Arden Courts names.

SOURCE HCR ManorCare