Melbourne Nursing Center Resident and Volunteer Earn Statewide Awards

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Surrounded by more than 800 of Florida’s finest long term care professionals and admiring staff members from the Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Melbourne, center resident David deMunecas and volunteer Chuck Kravitz were honored as the 2023 Joe Negron Resident of the Year and Adult Volunteer of the Year, respectively, by Florida Health Care Association (FHCA). Presented during FHCA’s Annual Conference in Orlando, these are the highest honors given each year to an individual residing in and volunteering for one of Florida’s 550+ skilled nursing centers that are members of FHCA.

“Mr. deMunecas is an inspiration, reminding us that even when it is hard – everyone has something to offer and can do their part to serve others. We are so proud to honor him with this special award,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA’s Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. deMunecas has been a resident at the Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Melbourne for more than seven years and in that time, has proven to be a leader for other residents and a great encourager to staff. He has been the Resident Council President for the past two years. He attends nearly all the center’s activities and helps with organizing several community activities that are hosted in its meeting space. He is an advocate for his fellow residents and is the center’s one-man Welcoming Committee, always making sure to orient new residents to the center, introduce them to the staff who can assist their needs and encouraging them to participate in the programs that they have to offer.

Kravitz has been serving as a volunteer at the center for over 14 years, encouraging residents and staff through his smile and singing.

“We’re incredibly thankful for the commitment of volunteers like Mr. Kravitz,” said Reed. “He brings warmth to the hearts of residents through the care he puts into everything he does.”

Kravitz is the center’s primary religious volunteer, leading church services, singing hymns and even making individual visits to residents’ rooms to join them in prayer or give a kind word. When COVID prohibited visitors, Kravitz continued volunteering and conducting bible studies and singing through Zoom. The center was thrilled when Kravitz was able to return in person, as he plays an integral part in offering social interaction, mental engagement, live entertainment and most importantly, longstanding friendship.

The 2023 Joe Negron Resident of the Year and the Adult Volunteer of the Year Awards are part of Florida Health Care Association’s Long Term Care Achievement Awards which were presented at the FHCA 2023 Annual Conference, July 23-27 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. The resident award is named in honor of former Florida Senate President Joe Negron for his almost two decades of committed support for Florida’s long term care providers and the residents entrusted to their care. FHCA’s Long Term Care Achievement Awards, sponsored by Elite Medical Staffing, annually recognize an Administrator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and several community volunteers for their service and dedication to long term care. For more information about FHCA’s Long Term Care Achievement Awards, visit the FHCA website at http://www.fhca.org/membership/ltcawards.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 14, 2023

PRESS CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-510-4389 or kknapp@fhca.org