Local Health Care Providers Honored by SIU Med School

Three central Illinois health care providers have been honored for their service to patients with dementia by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. The individuals were selected because of their commitment to care giving, particularly the emphasis each places on making residents feel important, cared for and worthwhile.

Marsha Lonabaugh, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Heritage Manor in Normal, has been named CNA of the Year 2004 by SIU. Lonabaugh is selected because her nominators said, "Marsha makes patients feel worthwhile every day by letting each one of them know how special they are. She takes special care in preparing the activities that are suited to everyone's needs."

Two runners-ups named are Pat Rhodes of Riverton, a CNA at the Visiting Nurses Association of Central Illinois in Springfield, and Jeannette Smock of Ashland, a CNA at the Lewis Memorial Christian Village in Springfield.

The health care givers were chosen by a judging panel from a field of 17 nominees.

This year's presentation marks the sixth year for the award, which is given by SIU's Alzheimer Center and the Illinois Department on Aging. The awards were presented at the conclusion of the School's sixth annual conference for CNAs and in-home health aides, which was held last month in Springfield. The conference was sponsored by the School's Alzheimer Center and the Dementia Caregivers Network, Education and Training Focus Group.

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