On Thursday, January 19, 2017, Trinity Health Foundation of East Tennessee hosted the 2016 Silver Lamp Awards dinner at The Foundry. This event honored the 28 healthcare professionals who received a Silver Lamp Award for continuing education during the 2016 calendar year. In addition, two individuals were selected for their outstanding leadership and dedication by staff at each of the 14 hospitals in our area. Recipients received a $2,500 award for continuing education to strengthen their skills and improve the overall level of healthcare expertise in our community.
The Silver Lamp Awards originated in 2006 at Baptist Health System Foundation. With hospitals facing financial challenges, funding for continuing education became increasingly scarce. These awards were established with input from physicians and administrators to maintain excellence in healthcare. The Foundation worked hard to raise funds for Silver Lamp through special events and the generosity of donors who had established specific funds for education. The awards were continued at Mercy Health Partners until the sale of the hospital in October 2011. Trinity is proud to continue this tradition, honor donors’ intent, and provide continuing education opportunities to healthcare professionals throughout our community.
In addition to the Silver Lamp Award winners, Trinity recognized the 2016-2017 Blake Scholarship Recipients at this event. These are nursing and medical technology students selected for their academic achievement at Carson-Newman and Lincoln Memorial Universities. Recipients must be in their last two years of college and are selected by the staff at each university to receive a $5,000 scholarship toward their tuition, which is made possible by the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Lynn Blake. Dr. Blake was chief of pathology services and director of laboratories at Baptist Hospital of East Tennessee for over 30 years. He and his wife, Georgia, graciously established the scholarship funds at Baptist Health System Foundation in 2000. We are pleased to have continued these scholarships with Trinity Foundation. Over the years, this generous gift from the Blakes has enabled many students to establish careers and benefit these professionals serve.
