GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton accepted the “2018 Legislative Recognition Award” from the Connecticut State Medical Society at an event in North Haven Thursday, it is Somers’ eighth award this year from various health care and advocacy organizations related to her leadership on the issue of health care as Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition for the work we’ve done to improve the quality, availability and cost of health care for Connecticut families,” Somers said. “Whether working to expand telemedicine opportunities, fighting the scourge of opioids, ensuring we are attracting physicians to work here in Connecticut, bringing care to those most in need or holding state agencies who are failing those in their care accountable, I am immensely proud of the results I’ve been able to achieve.”
The award from the Connecticut State Medical Society recognized Somers for “dedication to preserving and promoting the practice of medicine in addition to your efforts to identify and address existing barriers currently hampering the recruitment and retention of physicians in Connecticut.”
In addition to the award Somers accepted Thursday, the freshman legislator from Groton has been recognized by eight different organizations with awards for her work this year as Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee.
- The Arc New London County – Legislative Service Award
- Presented: June 19, 2018
- For efforts on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- CT Children’s Medical Center-Recognition Award
- Presented: September 12, 2018
- For tireless advocacy on behalf of their most vulnerable patients and helping to facilitate their ECMO team.
- Radiological Society – Patient Hero Award
- Presented: September 13, 2018
- For advocacy for patients and legislation that will encourage women to have life saving breast cancer screenings.
- CT State Medical Society – 2018 Legislative Recognition Award
- Presented: September 27, 2018
- For tireless efforts on behalf of the physicians of Connecticut and the patients they serve.
- Keep the Promise Coalition – Legislative Leadership Award
- To Be Presented: October 9, 2018
- For protecting the rights of people living with mental health challenges.
- CT Association of Optometrists – Certificate of Recognition
- To Be Presented: October 2018
- For outstanding leadership in promoting quality and safe vision care services for patients.
- Hartford County Medical Association – Legislative Citation
- To Be Presented: October 10, 2018
- For advocacy for Hartford County physicians and their patients.
- CT College of Emergency Physicians – 2018 Legislator of the Year Award
- To Be Presented: October 24, 2018
- For Senator Somers’ work on SB-378.
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