Trinity Health Foundation of East Tennessee hosted the 2017 Silver Lamp Awards on Thursday, January 18, 2018, at The Foundry. This year, Trinity recognized 25 healthcare professionals who received a Silver Lamp Award for continuing education during the 2017 calendar year. Each of the 14 hospitals in our area selects up to two individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership and dedication to receive these awards. Recipients receive an award of $2,500 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, funded through many generous donors, were established with input from physicians and administrators to maintain excellence in healthcare. 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.
Trinity also recognized 12 students who received the 2017-2018 Blake Scholarships 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 very generous gift from the Blakes has enabled many students to establish their careers and benefit the patients these professionals serve.
