HONORING
Health Care Champions
L
et’s face it, healthcare workers are amazing. Over the last several months in particular, they’ve faced enormous challenges and have been making incredible sacrifices to keep patients and communities safe. Health care workers have shown dedication, compassion and tenacity in the face of a crisis and have provided tireless, around the clock service. Federal CDC statistics show that “Health care is the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. economy, employing over 18 million workers.” But as populations age, more and more workers are needed. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2017 alone “The healthcare industry has
by Doria Maselli
added an average of 24,000 jobs each month. That’s vigorous growth in any industry. While healthcare job growth will ebb and flow in the future, the trajectory of growth has been consistently upward.” The Thurston Chamber partnered with the non-profit Thurston-Mason County Medical Society to honor some of our region’s hardworking health care workers. “This is a way to recognize professionals in our community’s largest industry,” says Thurston County Chamber President and CEO David Schaffert, “To honor those who already work so hard and have gone above and beyond the call of duty during the current public health crisis.”
The Thurston County Chamber was created in 1874 and the Thurston-Mason Medical Society in 1889. Over their long history, they’ve focused on forging partnerships, providing leadership, and offering networking opportunities in and around the region. We all rely on healthcare. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that 85% of adults and 93% of children had contact with a health care professional in the last year alone. Take a minute to thank a caregiver in your life and honor those who have responded to recent challenging times with patience, grace and dedication to the communities they serve.
Due to restrictions on events, this year we are honoring our Champions by sharing a video interview! Please visit thurstonchamber.com to view.
This year’s 2020 Health Care Champion Honorees: INNOVATION IN RURAL MEDICINE
PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
Beau Bakken
Dr. Stephen Snow
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Dr. Diana Yu COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Sandy Adams
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Dr. Bill Gavin Dr. Daniel Stein
Thank You Sponsors
