The Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross presented representatives of Thompson Health with The Partnership Award at the Red Cross’ annual Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation Event in Rochester on Sept. 27.

The Partnership Award “exemplifies and promotes cooperative partnership work between the Red Cross and a community group or organization. It honors outstanding collaborative job performance on a project, in a unit or in a line of service.”

Presented by Taryn Windheim, director of the West Ontario County Office of the Red Cross, the award was in recognition of the Red Cross/Thompson partnership that initiated educational programs for members of the community who are caring for an elderly or disabled loved one in their home.

In 2010 and again this fall, a team with representatives of both the Red Cross and Thompson worked together to coordinate a series of evening presentations that were offered free of charge. Both the 2010 and 2011 series featured a variety of experts from the community and touched upon topics including legal and financial issues, palliative care and stress relief for the caregiver.