The Late Eric M. Hilton’s Dream of Healthcare Collaboration Lives
It was the dream of the late Eric M. Hilton for Nevadans to have access to quality healthcare. Before his passing, he told long-time friend Julie Murray “we’ve got one more need to fulfill in our community, Julie” and from that conversation, the Nevada Medical Center (NMC) was born.
NMC is a collaborative healthcare leader that convenes others to facilitate substantive conversations and corresponding actions to solve our State’s most pressing healthcare needs. It was Mr. Hilton’s dream to see Nevada Medical Center recognize and reward healthcare collaboration and he would be honored to know his dream became reality.
At the October release of NMC’s 2nd Data Portal and Healthcare Report Card, the inaugural Eric M. Hilton Healthcare Collaboration Prize was announced. Applicants were expected to demonstrate a collaborative partnership that made a significant impact on an existing healthcare need making sure to highlight how metrics and data were used to measure anticipated outcomes. Moreover, applicants had to convey how the program or service embodied preventive measures and wellness. Over 20 entries were received before the December 31 deadline and were initially pared down to 10 finalists.
From the top 10, a screening committee consisting of Diana Bennett, Myra Greenspun, Captain John Pelletier, Dr. Gard Jame
son, and Julie Murray had the very difficult job of selecting the top two prize winners. The winners were announced at Moonridge Group’s 8th annual Philanthropy Leaders Summit in February, and although the original prizes were determined to be a $5,000 grand prize winner and a $2,500, two generous donors agreed to double each prize!
The $10K grand prize recipient was Ms. Terri Janison for her work at the Grant A Gift Autism Foundation where their unique partnership with the UNLV School of Medicine provides diagnosis, treatment plans, follow-up care, and support services for children and their families who struggle with broad spectrum disorders.
The $5K second place prize went to Dr. Marcia Ditmyer and the UNLV School of Dental Medicine whose partnership with UNLV’s School of Community Health Sciences and others provides outreach to over 70,000 patients all of whom have limited access to comprehensive dental care and screening.
Congratulations to both recipients, Mr. Hilton would be proud!