On October 25-27, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving hosted a summit to celebrate its remarkable 30-year commitment to family, volunteer, and professional caregivers. Held on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University, the summit featured a welcome address from former First Lady Rosalynn Carter; a keynote address by Lee Woodruff, co-founder of the Bob Woodruff Foundation; and panelists from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, AARP, and the NYU School of Medicine, among others.
 
Those who care for individuals with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities benefited from workshops held October 26 that offered tips and tactics for coping with the stressors and practical challenges of caregiving. On October 27, a broad range of inspiring panel discussions considered solutions to frequent challenges, raised the visibility of caregiver needs, and stimulated connections among natural partners.
 
At a celebratory dinner on October 27, Mrs. Carter bestowed awards to eight extraordinary caregivers and one community-based organization, who exemplify excellence in caregiving. These awards were established by RCI, which offers evidence-based support to caregivers across the country through programs such as Operation Family Caregiver, RCI REACH, BRI Care Consultation, and Dealing with Dementia.
 
The 2017 Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award was awarded to the Wellness and Caregiver Center of Ventura County, part of the Camarillo Health Care District, located north of Los Angeles, California. The Wellness Center works to humanize, personalize, and demystify the impact of chronic disease and the burden of caregiving. It provides a valuable service to caregivers as part of the District’s broad effort to provide community health, wellness, and safety services to area residents.
 
Five caregivers who have completed Operation Family Caregiver, RCI’s signature program for people caring for loved ones injured at war, were awarded with Mattie J.T. Stepanek Caregiving Scholarships. The Stepanek Scholarships provide financial assistance to military caregivers who have demonstrated a commitment to caring not only for their loved ones, but for themselves. The 2017 awardees are Deidre Blascyk of Fort Hood, Texas; Krista Cline of Houston, Texas; Wanda Ickes of Alum Bank, Pennsylvania; Leticia Johnson of Orlando, Florida; and Emily Mather of Batavia, Ohio.
 
Finally, three Georgia-based caregivers received Caregiver of the Year Awards in the following categories: Anthony Marshall of Albany was named the Georgia Volunteer Caregiver of the Year; Annie Moore of Macon was named the Georgia Family Caregiver of the Year; and Linda Morris of Athens was named the Georgia Para-Professional Caregiver of the Year.
 
“It is our great privilege to publicly recognize and offer our appreciation to the undeniably important people who take care of loved ones, often in the shadows or behind closed doors,” said RCI’s executive director Dr. Leisa Easom. “I know I also speak for Johnson & Johnson, which partners with us to fund these awards, when I offer my heartfelt congratulations to these deserving caregivers and to the Wellness and Caregiver Center of Ventura County, which does so much to help caregivers in that part of California.”