WABASH, Ind. – Daniel Gray has been named the 2016 recipient of Parkview Wabash Hospital’s Healthcare Hero Award. Gray serves as the Director of the Wabash County Tobacco Free Coalition, a position he has held since 2005. He will receive the award at Parkview Wabash Hospital Foundation’s annual gala on Nov. 12.
The Healthcare Hero Award was created by the PWB Foundation in 2000 to recognize an exceptional healthcare worker or volunteer. The award provides the opportunity to celebrate and honor their vision, inspiration and achievements for the betterment of health in Wabash and surrounding communities.
Nominated by Chris Sloan, Director of Community Engagement at the Y, Gray was selected by the Healthcare Hero committee for his hard work, dedication and passion in the fight against tobacco use. As Sloan stated in his nomination letter, “Dan’s innovation and leadership has deeply and positively impacted the health of our community.”
Young children, teens, adults, schools, and businesses have all benefited from his efforts. The smoking rate in Wabash County was 26% when Gray accepted his position in 2005. Today, it has dropped to 19%, in large part, thanks to his tireless work.
“I don’t do this alone,” a humble Gray was quick to mention when surprised with his award. “There are a lot of people who have helped me along the way. It would not have been possible without my board, volunteers and many community supporters.”
Dan’s accomplishments have been many over the last 11 years. He increased partnerships and collaborations with community members and businesses. He established the downtown office with Mental Health of Wabash County for increased accessibility and visibility. He works tirelessly to find funding opportunities beyond the Tobacco Settlement in order to provide services and outreach. Most recently, he worked with the Parks Departments in both Wabash and Manchester to designate all parks as “Smoke Free.”
Programs and initiatives Dan has established or brought to our community include:
- Tobacco Education Group and Tobacco Awareness Program for all schools in Wabash County
- Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU)
- Voice
- Toilet Talks in all three school districts
- Cessation services in collaboration with the YMCA
- School prevention education for all second and fifth grade classrooms, middle and high school students
“I have worked with Dan for a number of years to build a partnership between the Tobacco Coalition and the hospital,” Kerri Mattern, PWB manager of community health and chairperson of the Healthcare Hero selection committee, said. “It is truly our pleasure to recognize such a deserving recipient with this award.”
Plans for the Foundation’s 22nd annual gala are well underway. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 260-569-2254.