Here are the finalists in the 2015 Health Care Heroes Community Outeach category.

Honors an individual or team who communicated to the community about a health issue, including treatments and best practices, health threats and other education initiatives.

Lori Manship

TITLE: Fluid Recovery creator/instructor

ORGANIZATION: YWCA Lower Cape Fear

WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Lori Manship developed, and is currently instructing, the YWCA’s Fluid Recovery program.

Fluid Recovery is a progressive water fitness program specifically designed for breast cancer survivors. The program is free to survivors in Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties who are in any stage of recovery and survivorship thanks to funding from the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation.  

The program takes place in shallow and deep waters at the YWCA pool and is offered in 12-week sessions.

Fluid Recovery has improved the quality of life for the survivors who have participated over the past two years. We have seen measured improvements in strength, endurance and flexibility. We have seen a decrease in the side effects of breast cancer surgery and the ability to function more effectively with daily activities.

Lori’s certifications include NETA group instructor, Balancepoint Advanced Pilates mat/equipment, Chapel Hill Cancer Transitions, DSW Breast Cancer Recovery Fitness Aquatics, Academy of Holistic Fitness Enlighten Your Body Yoga and Red Cross CPR.”

-Katie Tate, YWCA assistant executive director
 

Colleen Mistovich

TITLE: Injury and violence prevention coordinator

ORGANIZATION: New Hanover Regional Medical Center

WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Colleen Mistovich is a Health Care Hero to children, patients and assault victims in our community.

As coordinator of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program at NHRMC, Colleen leads a team that provides compassionate support for traumatized victims while meticulously gathering evidence.

Colleen has written and developed protocols, policies and schedules for the program. She trains and mentors staff and supports health care providers to ensure the assessments are complete and accurate, and exams and all documentation are sound and valid.

The SANE team’s work has been used to convict and imprison numerous predators – ensuring a safer community.
Colleen reaches out to support victims and much of Colleen’s work focuses on improving the lives of children.

As witnessed by her involvement with the Blue Ribbon Commission, the Carousel Center, Coastal Horizons Rape Crisis Center and other community organizations, Colleen makes valuable contributions to many community  programs ... Colleen brings outstanding organizational skills, leadership and a strong work ethic to whatever she’s involved in.”

-Iris Baker, NHRMC outreach coordinator

Stephanie Smith

TITLE: Director of community engagement and impact and director of the Center for Healthy Communities

ORGANIZATION: UNCW College of Health and Human Services

WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Dr. Smith serves in the role of Director of Community Engagement and Impact and the Center for Healthy Communities within the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.  

Under her leadership the CHHS has worked with the community (Southeastern North Carolina) to initiate a Health Transformation Lecture series, the North Carolina Public Health Training Center and the Southeastern North Carolina Regional Health Collaborative. 

The Health Transformation Lecture series is dedicated to bringing thought leaders to our community who will address important issues related to the health of our community to a widespread audience.  

Dr. Smith serves as the project manager for the North Carolina Public Health Training Center, located in the College of Health and Human Services at UNCW. She also serves as the Project Manager for the Southeastern North Carolina Regional Health Collaborative...”

-Charlie Hardy, UNCW College of Health and Human Services founding dean and professor