Sam Ricketts, RNC, Named A Finalist for 2011 Health Care Heroes Award

Chestertown, MD—April 29,2011 — Charyl “Sam” Ricketts, RNC, was named a finalist for the Daily Record’s 2011 Health Care Heroes Award in the Nurse category. The Daily Record’s Health Care Heroes award is given annually and it recognizes individuals in the health care industry who embody the spirit of the word “hero” and who have made outstanding achievements within their specialty. Health Care Heroes are chosen based on the business or individual’s ability to solve a community health problem by reaching outside their normal sphere of business, educating its participants, showing a commitment to the community, impacting the recipients’ lives or  focusing on an acknowledged health care issue. Ricketts was one of 10 nurses named as ‘finalist’ in the nurse category.
The Health Care Heroes Award was created in 2003 to honor professionals in the health care industry who impact the lives of Marylanders.  There were hundreds of health care professionals in Maryland, representing eight different categories, nominated for this award. Ricketts attended the March 23 awards celebration in Baltimore, where all of the finalists were honored.

“First of all, all glory and honor to God. I am grateful to the managers and leaders at Chester River Health System who have provided me the opportunity to educate the community about chronic diseases and to build awareness about Chester River’s home care and hospice services—particularly in underserved areas of Kent County, where I have been able to reach people affected by health disparities. I could not have done this work without remarkable colleagues throughout the community,” commented Sam Ricketts.

 Sam Ricketts has served as the community liaison for Chester River Home Care & Hospice since September 2004. Ricketts has more than 35 years of experience in health care, and as community liaison Ricketts is the voice of Chester River Home Care & Hospice in the community, informing local care providers and community members about the benefits and availability of home health and hospice services.

Ricketts received her diploma in nursing from the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing, her Bachelor of Science degree from Widener University, and holds advanced certification in gerontological nursing. She is a member of the Kent County Maryland NAACP, chairing the health and welfare committee, and she is vice chair of the Community Healthcare Ethics Committee (CHEC) in Chestertown, Maryland.