Help Us Celebrate the People Making a Difference in Home-Based Care
Every day across the Kansas City region, professionals, caregivers, advocates, and community leaders make an extraordinary impact in the lives of patients and families.
The KCRHCA Annual Recognition Luncheon is our opportunity to honor those individuals whose compassion, leadership, service, and dedication strengthen the home-based care community.
We invite you to nominate the people who go above and beyond — the often unseen heroes whose work deserves to be recognized and celebrated.
Awards are presented in two categories:
- Member Awards
- Community Awards
Please review the award descriptions below and submit your nominations by November 15, 2026.
2026 MEMBER AWARDS
Outstanding Associate Award
Each KCRHCA member agency is encouraged to nominate one outstanding team member for recognition.
This award honors employees who demonstrate exceptional dedication, compassion, professionalism, and service in support of patients, families, and the home-based care community. Nominees may include:
- Clinical staff
- Office staff
- Delivery technicians
- Administrative professionals
- Support personnel
- Any employee who deserves special recognition
Each nominee will receive recognition from KCRHCA at the Annual Luncheon.
CLICK TO NOMINATE
Richard Sanders Extra Mile Award
This award is for the individual who has “gone the extra mile” in contribution of time, expertise, leadership, and commitment to KCRHCA and to the home care industry over this past year. This award honors Richard Sanders, who was a key player in the early development of our organization, not only with his wit and wisdom, but with his energy, spirit, and commitment to our home care community. Nomination forms must be received by November 15, 2025.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact one of the Annual Luncheon Committee Co-Chairs:
- Katelin Gharst at (785)550-8012 or SEND KATELIN AN EMAIL
- Shawn Mueller at (913)522-8784 or SEND SHAWN AN EMAIL
NOMINATION FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOVEMBER 21, 2025
RSVP FOR THE LUNCHEON
Early Bird til November 16: $25/person
After November 16: $35/person
Deadline to register is November 27, 2026
2025 COMMUNITY AWARDS
Listed are four Community Award categories. Each award category has criteria listed to assist you with your nomination selection.
Noni McCall Legislative Award
This award is for the individual or elected official at the city, county, state, or national level who has sponsored or promoted legislation to improve the quality, accessibility, and/or affordability of home care/health care services; or has taken a leadership role in educating KCRHCA members, other professionals and /or the public about important health care legislation.
Barbara Johnson Education Award
This award is for the individual who has played a significant role in educating the public or health care workers on home care/health care issues; or who has contributed to advancing educational opportunities for health care providers; or has conducted significant research to improve quality of care for our patients.
Marilyn Bockelman Community Award
This award is presented to a business leader, community leader, volunteer, public servant, etc., who has made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life for citizens in the Kansas City metro area.
Outstanding Physician Award
This award is for a physician who demonstrates their commitment to the well-being of their patients not only through their practice of medicine, but with community service, promotion of supportive healthcare legislation, and who has a positive impact in the lives of their patients, healthcare workers, and others with whom he/she encounters.
Our Members Say
The Kansas City Regional Home Care Association is one of the best organizations to join for networking and education as it relates to healthcare for people in the home. From pediatrics to our senior citizens, there are many opportunities to share ideas and make contact with experts in the Kansas City area. Learning from other leaders in the community helped our company improve services and benefited our patients and our staff.
It is a privilege to be a member of the Kansas City Regional Home Care Association. Not only does it provide an opportunity to interact with peers in the senior adult healthcare industry, but it also keeps me up to date on all legislative changes as we work together to meet shared challenges. My favorite benefit is the coordination of knowledge and teamwork within the KCRHCA team – it feels like family.
The Kansas City Regional Home Care Association has been beneficial to me as an administrator of a home health company to help stay up-to-date on current legislation and provide resources to help Medicare meet guidelines, such as for emergency preparedness. It is great to be able to collaborate and network with other agencies who specialize in home care.
As a member of the KCRHCA we have had the opportunity to collaborate with other home care organizations in the region to gain valuable insight and education. The monthly education, advocacy opportunities, and regulatory updates are invaluable to helping agencies stay up to date and achieve better patient outcomes. The Emergency Preparedness Committee is another huge benefit of membership and has played a vital role in helping our agency be more prepared, especially during COVID.
