A dozen direct caregivers at nursing homes, senior living and various long-term care facilities were honored for their “exceptional acts of care” during the pandemic. 

The Ceca Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Washington D.C. that honors caregivers, on Thursday announced the third round of its “Special Award” recipients. The award highlights the “extraordinary service” by healthcare workers during the pandemic. In all, 40 healthcare workers have been honored through the program since April. 

“Every employee throughout our network of hospitals, skilled nursing, and integrated care communities has stepped-up in meaningful ways to support those they care for,” said Nate Hamme, president of Ceca Foundation.

“These individuals represent hundreds of dedicated and compassionate healthcare workers at each of their communities. Each person we honor today has been nominated by a peer, manager, leadership team member or a patient, resident, or family member. Their stories illustrate what exceptional caregiving looks like,” he added. 

Workers honored in the third round were: 

  • Sulaiman Bangura, an RN case manager at Capital Caring Health in Washington D.C.
  • Steve Roy McLean, with the Army Distaff Center at Knollwood in Washington D.C.
  • Towanda Evans, an activities director at Doctors Community Rehabilitation and Patient Care Center in Lanham, MD
  • Augustina Jarrett, a clinical supervisor at Doctors Community in Lanham, MD
  • Mary Donna Chehovich, a connections activities associates at Providence Place Senior Living of Drums, PA
  • Emily Lang, a receptionist at Providence Place Senior Living of Chambersburg, PA
  • Virginia Mill, a resident life III/medical technician at Providence Place Senior Living of Pottsville, PA
  • Anthony Patterson, a resident life associate II at Providence Place Senior Living of Pottsville, PA
  • Sue Thompson, a housekeeping resident life associate at Providence Place Senior Living of Chambersburg, PA
  • Kelly Elkins, an evening nurse supervisor at Genesis Gettysburg Center in Gettysburg, PA
  • Henrietta Acquah-Akoto, a nurse supervisor at Goodwin House, in Alexandria, VA
  • Julia Ojo-Adebayo, a receptionist at Birmingham Green in Manassas, VA

The workers were honored for selfless acts that ranged from wearing costumes to lift the spirits of residents to ensuring patient’s COVID-19 lab tests properly and timely. Each worker also received a $250 award in addition to the honor. 

“We are proud to highlight another amazing group of caregivers, who have embraced our current challenges and are doing more than ever to keep their communities safe and engaged,” Matthew Lawlor, Ceca Foundation founder and executive chair, said.