The Waterbury Regional Chamber’s Health Care Council celebrated the 2025 Health Care Hero Awards during their 20th Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on August 20. The Health Care Council works to support and address the health care concerns of businesses and residents in greater Waterbury. Each year the Health Care Council solicits nominees for four award categories: Leadership, Organizational Excellence, Unsung Hero and Health Advocate Awards.
Dr. Husnain Kermalli, CMO; Dr. Rob Roose, President and Shawna Edwards, DNP, MSN, RN, CNO celebrate Chaplain Judy Bellemare at Chamber Awards ceremony.
This year, Saint Mary’s Hospital’s Judy Bellemare was selected as an Unsung Hero. The description for the Unsung Hero Award reads, “this award is presented to a health care practitioner who has distinguished himself or herself by providing exceptional care, compassion and commitment in their daily work. They have dedicated themselves to working behind the scenes in a hands-on capacity, making a difference in the lives of those they serve.”
Judy was selected for her tireless dedication, and the hope and healing she brings to so many. Judy offers spiritual care, emotional support, and deep compassion to patients, families and loved ones, and colleagues – regardless of denomination or belief. Whether in the ICU, Emergency Department, Operating Room waiting area, or anywhere in the hospital, Judy is a constant, calming presence. She makes herself available at all hours to listen, pray or simply sit beside someone in need. A core member of the Trauma and Donate Life teams, she brings comfort and steadiness to grieving families, while also supporting her fellow care providers through the emotional toll of their work.
Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski and Robert Roose, MD, MPH, President of Saint Mary’s, provided remarks at the start of the presentation. The keynote speaker was Daniel Keenan, Vice President of Advocacy and Government Relations, Trinity Health Of New England. Dan spoke about the state of the health care industry in Connecticut and specifically the greater Waterbury area, highlighting the role of Medicare and Medicaid in health care finances. The Leadership Award was presented to Brian Emerick, President of Access Rehab Centers; the Health Advocate Award was presented to Charter Oak State College’s Good Jobs Initiative; and the Organizational Excellence Award was given to McCall Behavioral Health Network.
Dan Keenan, VP of Advocacy and Government Relations, Trinity Health Of New England was keynote speaker at the Chamber Awards ceremony.
Saint Mary's Leaders and colleagues attended the greater Waterbury Chamber's Health Care Council Annual Meeting and Awards ceremony.