People, Places, and Things: 5-15-15

NSMC honors Lynn caregiversNorth Shore Medical Center (NSMC) recently honored two registered nurses and caregivers from Lynn for outstanding service and clinical excellence.Donna Abu-Sabra, R.N., a staff nurse at Union Hospital, received the Broadhead Clinical Excellence Award. It is given in honor of Eleanor Broadhead, who endowed the Broadhead Program for Excellence in Nursing in 1995, in memory of her sister, Elizabeth, who volunteered as a nurse during World War II.Recipients are recognized for achievements in clinical nurse practice, professional development and promotion of NSMC’s patient care mission.The BCEA was presented to two nurses, one from NSMC Salem Hospital and one from NSMC Union Hospital.The Donald W. Blodgett Exemplary Service Award, which demonstrates extraordinary service to patients, families and nursing colleagues, was presented to Lynn’s Maxine Robinson, a nursing assistant at Salem Hospital.Tough talk from former AG Coakley at LCHC breakfastThe battle against deadly heroin addiction can be won if “we have the will,” former state Attorney General Martha Coakley told 200 people attending the Lynn Community Health Center women’s recognition breakfast Thursday.Coakley praised Gov. Charlie Baker – who beat Coakley last November to win gubernatorial election – for making the fight against heroin addiction a state priority. She said Massachusetts needs more juvenile treatment beds and a change in strategy from a strictly law enforcement approach to combatting heroin to a medical approach.”This addiction problem is not one we are going to arrest our way out of,” she said.Coakley delivered her keynote speech at the Kernwood Country Club after breakfast attendees honored longtime center volunteer Adrienne Kelliher and “Shining Star” Harena Gebreyesus, an 18-year-old English High School graduate studying to become a doctor.