Health care workers recognized for contributions to community

by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

Three Springfield health care professionals were awarded with the desk-top crystal award at the 14th annual Salute to Health Care banquet on Oct. 21 at Highland Springs Country Club. A crowd of between 150 and 200 people attended the $29-per-plate dinner and awards ceremony, according to Brad Bodenhausen, senior vice president of public affairs at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

The purpose of the annual event is to recognize individuals who are leaders in the health care field, Bodenhausen said. At the banquet this year, three honorees joined 42 past recipients of the annual award.

The three people chosen to receive the award this year were Joyce L. Madore, R.N., Don S. Overend, M.D., and Maura Taylor.

Started in 1985, the event is co-sponsored by the Chamber and the Springfield News-Leader. Past recipients include Dr. Don F. Gose, Dr. James R. Cook, Dr. Robert D. Duncan, Kathleen M. O'Dell, The Sisters of Mercy, Susan A. Blackard, R.N., Dr. John P. Ferguson and Dr. Jim Blaine.

The nomination process begins in July each year. Names are submitted by local individuals, groups or organizations to the committee, which is made up of past recipients and interested Chamber members, Bodenhausen said. Nominees are selected based not only on their contributions to the health care industry, but also on their community involvement.

The desk-top crystal award now graces the offices of this year's honorees who are being recognized for leadership in the fields of adult day care, pediatrics and volunteer community service.

Madore is director of the Daybreak Adult Day Care Center in Springfield. The center is a project of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks. It provides daytime recreation, entertainment, fellowship and basic care for elderly and disabled clients.

"A pioneer in the field of adult day care services, Madore has put her expertise to use at both the state and national levels," according to a Chamber news release.

Serving as president of the Missouri Adult Day Care Association and a member of the Governor's Task Force, she helped establish rules and regulations for adult care services in Missouri. She was state delegate to the National Conference on Aging.

Overend established the pediatrics department at Smith-Glynn-Callaway Clinic in 1957. Overend has impacted the community through both his professional and volunteer activities. He writes a monthly column called "Practical Pediatrics" for the Springfield Family Journal; co-authors, with his wife Linda, a travel column for the Springfield Business Journal; and writes a weekly medical news report for KSPR 33.

Overend has served on the board s of the Springfield Symphony, the Springfield Area Arts Council and Friends of the Springfield Art Museum.

Taylor is an 11-year member and immediate past president of the Greene County Medical Society Alliance. She serves on the Good Community Committee and the boards of two projects in Ozarks Fighting Back: The Victim Center and Violence Free Families.

Taylor has helped lead the local effort to raise awareness of family violence.

She led a coalition of community organizations which published a reference booklet for physicians and other health care workers on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of family violence and how to assist victims in finding help locally.

A copy of the resource booklet has been provided to every physician in southwest Missouri.

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Nominees are selected based on their contributions to the health care industry and the community.[[In-content Ad]]