Crossroads Hospice presents award to local social worker

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

An annual award has been given to a local social worker from Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia.

The “Caring More” award is given to a deserving social worker nominated by peers for exemplary service to patients and the community at a special awards breakfast Thursday, March 24, 2016.

The award is given by Crossroads Hospice after soliciting judges from the local region who select from those nominated, looking at the services they provide, as well as endeavors outside of work.

Recognition comes with a cash prize given to a selected charity.

This year’s winner, Michel “Kiwi” Popyk-Wyatt MSW, LCSW, will receive the ‘Caring More’ award for service above and beyond expectations. She works at Bothwell Regional Health Center advocating for patients of all ages.

KMZU’s Ashley Johnson spoke with Popyk about what she does, and why it is important.

The Executive Director of Crossroads Hospice, Janet Hessenflow, also spoke with KMZU about this year’s winner, the importance of social workers, and the criteria for the award.

This year the cash prize is doubled to $1,000 with the addition of a second award given to Popyk, “Community Favorite.” Popyk’s charity is the Bothwell Center Foundation.

Popyk holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri, Columbia.

The Hotel Bothwell will host the awards breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.