Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach Interfaith Health and Wellness Program will honor two local nurses and a doctor for their compassionate and courageous work in helping others at its Seventh Annual Faith Community Nurse Awards Luncheon to be held Friday, April 20. Award winners are chosen on the basis of their humanitarianism and life-long dedication and service. Tickets are available for those wanting to attend the luncheon.
Among those to be honored are:
- Connie Fahey of Boca Raton, a registered nurse who will receive the 2012 Community Nurse Award for her work in which she not only provides health screenings to those at her parish, but also regularly visits a local senior center, conducts home visits to those that are terminally ill and has become an advocate for the elderly.
- Dr. Cacciaguida of Palm Beach will receive the organization’s newest award – the Mother Teresa Humanitarian Award. Dr. Cacciaguida Is a respected nephrologist who volunteers with social justice programs at his local church and in the community.
- Jude Finn, RN, of Tequesta, will receive the Refuah Nursing Scholarship to attend the Faith Community Nurse Basic Preparation Course to be held in June. This four-day course is held annually and equips parish nurses to serve as health catalysts in faith communities. Finn has more than 18 years of experience as a pediatric nurse.
Catholic Charities Interfaith Health and Wellness Program provides education for registered nurses who are serving the community through their affiliation with churches, temples, mosques and other faith-based initiatives. Its program — The Faith Community Nurses — fills a gap in the healthcare system through health advocacy, health counseling, education, volunteer training and referrals to community resources.
The luncheon is open to the public and will be held at the National Croquet Center at 700 Florida Mango Road in West Palm Beach. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased by calling 561-379-1972. St. Mary’s Medical Center and Vitas Innovative Hospice Care are sponsors of the event.