2023 Western New York Healthcare Hero Awards seeks entries

Nominations open for Buffalo-area awards

The COVID-19 pandemic threw body blocks to the health care industry from 2020 through 2023. The heroes of this industry will now be recognized in an awards presentation Oct. 11 at the M Hotel Ballroom.

“To all my colleagues in health care, we applaud you for the extreme sacrifice that you so selflessly gave to Western New Yorkers during the COVID-19 crisis. Now, we wish to do a little something for you as a giveback,” said Renee Likong, a nurse at Terrace View Long Term Health Care Facility and head of the NY Association of Licensed Practical Nurses.

The organization is teaming up with UnitedHealthcare and Cumulus Broadcasting (“Classic Hits” 104.1-FM) to honor several health care employees who went over and above during the pandemic. The program, titled “WNY Healthcare Hero” awards, is taking online nominations starting through Sept. 13. The top award will be $500; second prize, $250; and third place will receive $150 in restaurant gift cards. Judges will be sponsors, health care media journalists, and the nursing industry experts.

Any health care individual is eligible if over 21 and employed at a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, or health care facility in Western New York.

Winners will be notified after the contest deadline and will be honored on the Trocaire College Stage at the M Hotel Ballroom on Wednesday, Oct. 11. They will get free admission and attend the event, titled “Nurses Night – Celebrating ALL Healthcare Heroes,” which runs from 5-9 p.m.

To enter the “WNY Healthcare Hero” awards contest, log onto www.WHTT.com/category/contests and fill out a brief nomination form.

Anyone wishing to attend the “Nurses Night – Celebrating ALL Healthcare Heroes” event, which will feature food sampling/sales, entertainment, beverage sampling, crafters, jewelry and health care information booths, can purchase tickets for $9.50, which includes the online service charge. Find tickets online by logging onto www.NursesNightofCelebration.com.