Gerry Baker Hero of Health Care Award

Nominations will be accepted until Monday, May 12. Named for a past board president, the Gerry Baker Hero of Health Care Award recognizes and celebrates those whose commitment to residents and co-workers goes beyond the already high standard long-term care workers set every day. Gerry championed Michigan’s LTC sector for decades, eventually serving nationally on the American Health Care Association Board of Governors, working his way up to chairman in 1999. The Gerry Baker Hero Award honors dedicated individuals who perform their jobs in an exceptional manner. Nominees should be individuals who come to work each day to improve residents’ lives, always making a positive difference. Any LTC position is eligible including CNAs, LPNs, RNs, DONs, administrators, executive directors, dietitians, careworkers, life enrichment, housekeepers, support/office/laundry/maintenance staff and others. Winners will be recognized during the Awards Luncheon at the HCAM Annual Convention, Sept. 8-10, 2025, in Grand Rapids.

Criteria for the Gerry Baker Hero of Health Care Award application: 

1. Submit a completed application with all required documentation before May 12, 2025. (If any of the required documents are missing or incomplete, the application cannot be considered.)
2. Application must include the nominee’s name, title, facility and contact information.
3. Application must include contact information for the person completing the nomination.
4. Application must include a 300-600-word essay describing why this individual should receive the Gerry Baker Hero of Health Care Award.
   1. Use examples to describe how this individual performed his or her job in an outstanding manner.
   2. Address how the nominee has a positive, uplifting attitude.
   3. Address how the nominee shows respect for residents, co-workers, family members and volunteers at all times.
   4. Use examples to describe what separates this person from his or her peers. Examples could include ways this individual interacts with residents/families or coworkers/managers; an effective, creative approach this person took to meet a need; or actions that show very strong leadership, integrity and a high standard of ethical behavior.
   5. Be sure to highlight significant events or contributions above and beyond the normal daily work that you believe puts this employee in a special category worthy of recognition.
   6. HCAM typically receives a large number of applications for this award, so be sure to clearly highlight what makes your nominee exceptional. 
5. All documents must be typed and uploaded in Word or PDF format.
6. Applicants must be employed by an HCAM member facility or community in good standing.

This application cannot be saved and continued at a later time. Please be sure you have all required items before you start.