Kathie Supiano chosen as a 2009 Health Care Hero

Utah Business Magazine presents community outreach award to U of U faculty member

University of Utah College of Nursing faculty member Kathie Supiano, MS, LCSW was recognized by Utah Business Magazine today as one of its 2009 Health Care Heroes. This annual recognition acknowledges excellence and innovation within the health care system and contributes to continuously improving the standard of care that Utah's organizations provide. The event took place at the Grand America Hotel located in downtown Salt Lake City.

Health Care Heroes were selected in eight different categories by an editorial panel of community leaders and health care professionals. Supiano was selected in the area of Community Outreach for her role in helping grieving individuals adjust to the death of a family member or loved one as director of Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief Program of the University of Utah College of Nursing.

Caring Connections offers a number of bereavement support groups which run throughout the year for eight weeks in length. Each group is tailored to a specific kind of grief: loss of a loved one from illness, death of a loved one from suicide, death of a loved one from murder and perinatal loss. The groups are facilitated by Supiano and volunteer professionals in the area of grief and bereavement. In addition, Supiano conducts numerous community trainings on palliative and bereavement care and prepares new staff at University Hospital to care for patients and families at the end of life. The program also hosts two annual events to help grieving individuals manage the holidays without their loved one.

"It is through Kathie Supiano's unwavering compassion and knowledgeable support that countless individuals and families have been able to grow stronger in managing their sorrow while constructing a life without their loved one," said Maureen R. Keefe, RN, PhD, FAAN, dean of the College of Nursing and Louis H. Peery Presidential Endowed Chair.

"I feel honored to be recognized for serving persons whose needs may otherwise go unacknowledged and cared for," said Supiano of the award. "It is a privilege to represent the U. College of Nursing in this area, and to be among such distinguished health care providers and advocates."