Duluth, Minn. - Some were called heroes, others inspiration, but all who entered the 2009 Benedictine Health System Awards Program were honored for their contributions to bring the BHS Mission and Core Values to life in extraordinary ways.

Presented annually at the Leadership Conference, which was held this year in Duluth on Sept. 23 - 25, the BHS Awards Program honors leaders, volunteers, programs and projects that enhance the services provided by BHS Participating Organizations.

This year’s Trustee of the Year Award was presented to Marcia Peterson, Sisseton, S.D., who serves on the Tekakwitha Living Center Board of Directors, Tekakwitha Living Center Foundation Board, and Benedictine Living Communities Board. A leader in recruiting new board members, Peterson was recognized for her service on the many boards and her efforts to create a day care center that has served more than 1,400 area children over the last 18 years and in raising more than $1 million to enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Benedictine Horizon Award honored St. Benedict’s Health Center’s Autumnfest Committee. St. Benedict’s Autumnfest has evolved from a simple open house into a full day of fun beginning with a Polka Mass, followed by a huge ethic meal of local favorites, the area’s largest bake sale, a craft sale, entertainment, raffle drawing and silent auction. Funds raised are use to help improve the quality of life for Dickinson, N.D., residents.

The Benedictine Spirit Award – Community Focus was awarded to St. Catherine’s Living Center, Wahpeton, N.D., for their flood relief efforts. On March 26, 2009, St. Catherine’s opened an unused wing, and with help from the community to make beds, extended hospitality and care for 46 residents evacuated from the Fargo flood waters for a week. On April 11, a second call came and 36 residents evacuated from a veteran’s home came for two weeks.

A Benedictine Spirit Award – Community Focus Honorable Mention was awarded to Benedictine Living Center of Garrison for The Meadows Assisted Living project. With the nearest assisted living facility 45 miles away, the community need was great in Garrison, N.D.. A capital campaign was launched to raise $300,000, which was reached within two months and continued with more than $500,000 raised to fund construction of the 18 apartment assisted living facility.

The Benedictine Spirit Award – Organizational Focus honored a vision that became reality at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center, Shakopee, Minn. The Circle of Life suites provide a comforting, peaceful environment for residents while also giving family members a private and comfortable place to stay as they support their loved one.

Benedictine Spirit Award – Organizational Focus Honorable Mention awards were also presented to:

• St. Brigid’s at Hi-Park, Red Wing, Minn., for their reimbursement maximization team through which the facility enhanced its financial viability and increased the facility’s net operating income by $160,000 for the fiscal year ending 2008. 
• Benedictine Health Center of Minneapolis, Minn., for their Cultural Diversity Celebration series, which honored and offered an opportunity for residents and employees to share their diverse cultures in a meaningful way.

The Benedictine Health System (BHS) is a Catholic, mission-directed, values-based health care system that spans the full spectrum of long-term care. Sponsored by St. Scholastica Monastery, BHS owns and/or manages more than 40 long-term care facilities - nursing homes, assisted living and independent senior housing options in seven states. For more information, go to www.bhshealth.org.

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