Jewish Hospital chaplain selected as finalist for OHA 2008 Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award

Kenwood - Karen Behm, chaplain at The Jewish Hospital, was selected as a finalist for the 2008 Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award by the Ohio Hospital Association at the OHA Recognition Dinner on June 9. Four finalists and one recipient were selected from 75 nominations throughout the state of Ohio. 

The Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award is named for a retired OHA associate who was highly regarded throughout Ohio's health care community. The award recognizes outstanding caregivers who are great leaders, reflect the values and ideals of Ohio?s health care facilities, routinely go above and beyond the call of duty, give back to the community and have overcome odds to succeed.

Behm has been a chaplain at Jewish Hospital for two years and has been instrumental in developing and implementing several new spiritual care programs. Outside of work, Karen is an active member and volunteer minister at her church where she is involved with the Interfaith Hospitality Network that works with the homeless. An excerpt from Behm?s nomination reads:

"Though small in stature and young in years, Karen Behm, chaplain at The Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, is a pillar of strength to our hospital community. Karen is responsible for spiritual care needs of our most critically ill patients. Despite the difficult situations that she faces while dealing with those who are sick and/or dying, Karen maintains an upbeat and cheerful disposition that is encouraging and motivating. She continuously evaluates practices and has been instrumental in launching several new programs to improve spiritual care at Jewish. At the heart of Karen's service and ministry is a zest for life that she uses to help those who are hurting to reach out and hang on, inside Jewish Hospital and also in the surrounding community."

To read Behm's full nomination, visit www.JewishHospitalCincinnati.com.  

The Jewish Hospital is an acute care hospital located in Cincinnati's northeast suburbs. It was established in 1850 as the first Jewish hospital in the United States and is part of the Health Alliance, an integrated health care delivery system. To view other Jewish Hospital news releases, go to www.JewishHospitalCincinnati.com.

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