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CAMBRIDGE-- OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center is proud to share that our own Hope Foraker, CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist, has been named the Ohio Hospital Association's Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year.
OHA'S Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year award is presented annually to one Ohio caregiver who personifies a leader, motivates colleagues, inspires others, provides valuable service, personifies the mission, vision and values of the organization and has an impact in their community.
Foraker was selected for this honor from amongst 57 nominees across the state.
When non-urgent procedures were cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic, Foraker refused to accept that special needs children would be unable to receive therapy they relied on.
In answer to this problem, she spearheaded the shift of Southeastern Medical Center's rehabilitation center to telehealth, ensuring that vital care physical, occupational and speech therapies could still be provided to Southeastern Med's patients without compromising their safety.
In large part due to her guidance and advocacy for this issue, the hospital pivoted to open a standalone Pediatric Center that offers all rehabilitation disciplines under one roof in a child-centered environment.
Some of the Cambridge community's most vulnerable populations, including children with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Traumatic Brain Injuries benefit from the Center's carefully tailored programs.
Foraker has secured more than $15K in grants from local organizations to purchase adaptive seating, specialty feeding supplies and sensory equipment to make the Pediatric Center a safe haven for the children it serves.
The impact of Foraker's work is felt deeply throughout our community and within the hospital.
Her passion for all the members of our community and refusal to compromise excellent care even in difficult times is an inspiring reminder of the role regional hospitals can provide in our communities.
From everyone at OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center, we congratulate Foraker on this very deserved award and thank her for continuing to make our hospital and our community better.