In recognition of its commitment to the youth of Delaware County, Crozer-Keystone Health System was awarded the 2006 Excellence in Youth Award by The Delaware County Workforce Investment Board. Diane Miller, chief operating officer of Taylor Hospital and CKHS vice president, and Joseph Saunders, chief operating officer of Crozer-Chester Medical Center and CKHS vice president, accepted the award on Crozer-Keystone’s behalf at a recent ceremony.

“Receiving this award is a great honor,” says Joan K. Richards, chief operating officer of Crozer-Keystone Health System and president of CKHS Hospitals. “Not only do we strive to provide exceptional health care to our community, but it is equally important for us to reach out to the youth of Delaware County and educate them on careers in health care. They are our future, and we are proud to share experiences with them.”

Crozer-Keystone was nominated for the Excellence in Youth Award for its involvement in the Medical Careers Program. A partnership between Crozer-Keystone and Delaware County Technical Schools, the program is offered at Taylor and Crozer. Based at both hospitals, the program combines classroom-based learning with hands-on experience. Students are selected from a pool of applicants from certain Delaware County high schools, and consideration is based upon their GPA, and attendance and conduct records.

While they are not directly involved in patient care, the students spend time in virtually every hospital department observing nurses and other hospital staff in action. Students spend the entire school year learning about careers in the medical field. Eugene Zegar, vice president of Human Resources for Crozer-Keystone Health System and a member of The Workforce Investment Board, notes that the Medical Careers Program is a valued resource to students who know they want to go into the medical field, but are still deciding on their career path. “It’s a great opportunity for our health care professionals to expose the students to the different careers that are available to them in the health care field,” he says. “Many of our students have gone on to enroll in nursing school, medical school, pharmacy school, and Crozer-Keystone’s School of Respiratory Therapy. These students are exceptionally talented.” The hope is that, after receiving their degrees, the students will stay in Delaware County and consider any open opportunities to work for Crozer-Keystone.

Denise Q. Kossuth, R.N., BSN, nominated Crozer-Keystone for this honor. Kossuth, who serves as instructor of the Taylor Medical Careers Program, says that “Crozer-Keystone Health System has shown commitment to the local community in so many ways; the sponsorship of the Medical Careers program is simply another expression of this. The hospitals have so graciously opened their doors to these high school students. The staff has provided them with invaluable lifelong lessons and has helped shape future professionals that will someday be an asset to the health care industry.” Crozer’s program is taught by Rosemary Barakat, R.N.

The Delaware County Workforce Investment Board, which is comprised of community business leaders, is committed to improving the skill levels of all current and potential workers. 2006 marks the fifth year that The Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Council has honored local youths, adults and employers with the Excellence in Youth Award. There are four categories: Employer, Adult, Youth 15 and Under, and Youth Over 15. Crozer-Keystone was one of two award recipients in the Employer category.

Nominations for the Excellence in Youth Award are open to any youth, adult or employer in Delaware County who shows an exemplary commitment and dedication to youth. For more information about the program, call The Delaware County Workforce Investment Board at (610) 723-1204, or visit www.delcoworks.org.