AANHR proudly honored the caring Certified Nursing Assistants who provide the primary care for residents in Arkansas nursing homes on June 14, 2010 at First Assembly of God Church in North Little Rock. Those honored have provided loving care for the infirm of our state in spite of low pay and few words of thanks, some for ten, fifteen, and even twenty years. One-hundred-three men and women from across the entire state, representing fifty-two nursing facilities received personal thanks for their untiring service. Each received a framed Certificate of Merit, a pin, and a Wal-Mart gift certificate. AANHR was also honored to entertain facility DONs, Administrators, friends,  and family members as invited guests of the honorees to the tune of 220 total luncheon guests. Participants came great distances from the four corners of the state.

AANHR President Martha Deaver read a proclamation from Governor Mike Beebe. Kathie Gately, Arkansas’ State Ombudsman, delivered inspirational remarks illustrating that residents lose many privileges upon entering a nursing home such as when they get up in the morning & choice of mealtimes.  She spoke about quality of life for residents. What is Quality of Life?  According to Ms Gately, “It is that which motivates me to want to be alive.”

Next, Ms. Carol Compas, Nursing Home Quality Initiative Project Manager for Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care spoke.   Ms Compas completed her presentation with an interactive project to ferret out the “best listener” present. She presented a prize to the winning CNA.  

AANHR greatly appreciates these two special ladies, Kathie & Carol, and all they do to promote good care in nursing homes. Special thanks are also in order for their substantial roles in making the 2010 luncheon the great success that it truly was. Following their presentations, CNAs were individually recognized and rewarded. After the CNA recognitions, Ms Gately drew St. Andrews Place CNA Naomi Wiley’s name as the winner of a gift basket & lastly Briarwood Nursing & Rehab CNA Katrina Johnson won the drawing for a one-hundred dollar bill presented in loving memory of an eighteen year nursing home resident, Wanda Collison, who passed away in January 2010.