IAHSS Foundation Recognizes Exceptional Achievements in Healthcare Security

Bonnie Michelman, IAHSS Foundation President (left), Officer Biranne Fung (right).

Several hospital security programs were recognized at the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety Foundation's Annual Recognition Banquet.

Awards were presented to outstanding healthcare security professionals and organizations for their exemplary contributions to the healthcare security industry.

Bonnie Michelman, IAHSS Foundation President, and Executive Director of Police, Security and Outside Services at Massachusetts General Hospital, presented the following awards:

The Medal of Merit is presented to individuals who distinguish himself/herself in the performance of duty by an act of personal fortitude above and beyond the call of duty not taken at the risk of his/her own life. The 2019 Medals of Merit were presented to:
1. Officer Miguel “Mike” Zendejas – Martin Luther King Jr., Los Angeles, Calif.
2. Officer Brianne Fung- Paladin Security Group, Richmond General Hospital, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
3. Officer David Ellis- Paladin Security Group, Richmond General Hospital, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada

The Russell L. Colling Medal for Literary Achievement is presented to an individual who through his or her literary abilities, has made a significant contribution to the healthcare security, safety, and/or risk management professions. The 2019 Russell L. Colling Literary Achievement Medal was presented to Raymond Gerwitz, CHPA, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

The Philip A. Gaffney Faculty Chair is presented to an individual, institution or firm best exemplifying advancement of the purpose and aims of the IAHSS Foundation through demonstrated achievement in the profession and disciplines of healthcare security, safety and/or risk management. The 2019 Philip A. Gaffney Chair was presented to Eric Sean Clay, CHPA, CPP, CoxHealth, Springfield, Mo.

The Lindberg Bell Outstanding Facility is named in memory of Lindberg Bell, a charter member and second President of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS). This recognition is presented to a facility which has established and administers an outstanding healthcare security and/or safety program and in 2019 was presented to AdventHealth in Orlando, Fla.

In addition, the 2019 IAHSS Immediate Past-President, Kevin Tuohey, presented the association’s annual ElwoodG. Near President’s Award to Edwin Stedman.

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In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, organizations face an ever-growing array of disruptive events, security threats and risks. Traditional reactive approaches to security intelligence often leave businesses vulnerable and ill-prepared to anticipate and mitigate emerging threats that could impact the safety of their people, facilities or operations.