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Gwen Gillenwater receives Bethesda's 2006 Bethesda Voices Public Policy Award

070315/04

Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., a worldwide leader in the developmental disability service industry, recently awarded the 2006 Bethesda Voices Public Policy Award to Gwen Gillenwater.

Bethesda honored award recipients from several categories at the 2006 Annual Banquet, held Nov.12, 2006 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis. Each year, Bethesda presents its Bethesda Voices Public Policy Award to recognize individuals or groups that have made significant contributions and outstanding public achievements to improve the public policy and the welfare those individuals with developmental disabilities.

Gillenwater, Senior Director of Policy and Outreach for the American Association of People with Disabilities Member (AAPD), joined AAPD’s staff in 2005, where she enhanced their capacity to advocate on policy issues and to more closely communicate with grassroots advocates around the country. She was also appointed to the Medicaid Reform Commission by the U.S. Department of Health and Services Secretary, Michael Leavitt.

In August, 2005, the Medicaid Commission unanimously adopted short-term recommendations for $10 billion in savings over the next five years and a provision to allow states to charge beneficiaries increased co-payments for certain non-preferred prescription drugs. Gillenwater proposed an amendment to replace this proposal. Her amendment failed, but she continues to be a voice among voting members for fair and reasonable disability policy.

“We are proud to award the Bethesda Voices Public Policy Award to Gwen,” says Dr. David Geske, president and CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. “She clearly distinguishes herself by the quality and innovative nature of her work to promote the rights and abilities of people with developmental disabilities.”

Other awards presented at the meeting included, the Christian Service Award for Volunteers, the Bethesda Christian Service Award for Professionals and the Pool of Bethesda Award.

Now in its second century of service, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the country and throughout the world. It is Bethesda’s mission to support the needs of the individual—both physical and spiritual—and as a result, Bethesda offers many different types of services for the individual and their family, including a variety of residential facilities, supported-living programs, outreach services and secular training workshops. For more information on Bethesda’s services and support programs, call the public relations office at 800.369.4636, ext. 3817, or email: pr@mailblc.org.