Hendrick Health honored statewide for community service

Hendrick Health earned an honorable mention for Texas Hospital Association’s (THA) 2022 Excellence in Community Service Award for the “A New Day (Nursery) in the Neighborhood” project that brought affordable childcare to north Abilene.

“We are very proud to receive this prestigious award from THA,” said Brad Holland, president and CEO for Hendrick Health. “This project was very special to us as we were able to identify and address such an important need in our community.”

To be considered for the Excellence in Community Service Award, organizations must demonstrate leadership and participation in beneficial, measurable programs in the community that have provided a positive outcome in health status.

In 2018, Hendrick, Hardin-Simmons University and Day Nursery of Abilene began a partnership to provide additional childcare spots in a new facility for not only Hendrick and HSU employees, but also for the entire Abilene community. After renovations were complete to the former College Heights Elementary School, Day Nursery of Abilene opened its doors in the new location.

Day Nursery of Abilene is one of the few childcare providers in the area that cares for infants beginning at birth and offers expanded hours, especially helpful for families working in healthcare. The facility also helps prepare the future workforce as a site for university student practicum and observation for nursing, social work and early childhood development students. In addition, with the creation of 30 jobs, the facility is a welcomed infill development in an older neighborhood.

Representatives from Hendrick Health and Day Nursery of Abilene accepted the award this week at THA’s Annual Conference and Expo in Austin.