Gov. Charlie Baker, Daniel Keenan to Receive Sister Caritas Awards

SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has been selected to receive the Sister Caritas Award for his vision and leadership around prevention and treatment efforts for those suffering from substance-use disorder and his support of individuals and families in recovery.

“Recognizing that the opioid crisis is one of the most significant public health issues facing America, Gov. Baker has mobilized efforts across the Commonwealth to tackle the issue through prevention and treatment services. He was a unanimous choice for this important award,” said Mark Fulco, president of Mercy Medical Center and its affiliates.

A second Sister Caritas Award will be presented to Daniel Keenan, vice president of Advocacy and Government Relations, Trinity Health Of New England, for his advocacy efforts on behalf of patients at Mercy Medical Center and Providence Behavioral Health Hospital. An attorney and former state representative, he is active in behavioral-health advocacy, including work with the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Assoc. and the Massachusetts Assoc. of Behavioral Health Systems.

“Dan has worked tirelessly to improve access for behavioral-health and addiction services and to help remove the stigma of conditions in these areas. He has also been a true partner in this work with the Commonwealth and Gov. Baker,” said Fulco.

The Sister Caritas Awards will be presented at Mercy Medical Center’s Caritas Gala on Saturday, April 21, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The Gala, with its Motown-inspired theme “Reach Out,” will raise funds to support Mercy’s Pathway to Care: Addressing the Opioid Crisis through Intervention, Education, and Treatment.

Dr. Mohamed and Kimberly Hamdani, along with Paul and Anna Mancinone, are honorary chairpersons for the Caritas Gala. Longtime supporters of Mercy Medical Center, Dr. Hamdani has served as chairman of Surgery, chairman of Credentials, and president of the medical staff at Mercy, and Mancinone serves on the board for Trinity Health Of New England.

Woodland Anesthesiology Associates, P.C. is the platinum sponsor of the Caritas Gala; gold sponsors are Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan, BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, Joyce and Edward Hough, Powerstation Events, and the Republican.

The Caritas Gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, live entertainment from the band Motor City Magic, and a silent auction. Dinner will be served at 8 p.m., followed by a live auction and dancing until midnight with music from the band Radiance. Pre-registration is required by Monday, April 9. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the Caritas Gala, visit www.mercycares.com/caritasgala.