Newton Resident Donna Morrissey Honored for her work with American Red Cross

As Laboure College educates the next generation of nurses and healthcare workers, we hold the 2017 winners of the Massachusetts Care Awards up as beacons of compassionate patient care.This year’s winners show us that a career in healthcare and safety is not simply a job, but a vocation- a calling to serve the sick, the poor, and the voiceless. The honorees this year are: Donna Morrissey, American Red Cross; Detective Chris Dumont, Massachusetts State Police; Sean O’Leary, Chief Radiation Therapist at Tufts Medical Center; and Catherine O’Connor, founder of the Health in Motion van and clinical instructor at Northeastern University. Nurses, healthcare workers, and first responders have both the distinct privilege and responsibility for keeping us safe and healthy. It is our privilege to shine a light on each of these compassionate caregivers- let us introduce you to Donna Morrissey.

Donna Morrissey is often one of the first people on site to begin the healing process after a tragedy. Deploying with the American Red Cross, Donna soothes victims and families with her calm, caring demeanor during times of unspeakable sadness. Working directly with affected victims and families in the family assistance centers, Donna helps those dealing with crisis find and engage with the support services they need. Donna has worked closely with victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, Hurricane Sandy, the Boston Marathon bombings, and Sandy Hook Elementary. Described by Denise Edinger, friend and nominator, as “selfless and giving in every aspect of her life,” Labouré College is thrilled to honor Donna Morrissey with a 2017 Massachusetts Care Award.

Seeing the need for blood donation first hand during deployments, Donna brings a sense of urgency to her work as the Director of Marketing for National Partnerships for Biomedical Services for the American Red Cross. Working with non-profits and other organization, Donna advocates for blood donation and creates opportunities to increase awareness of the need for it. Through blood drives and other work through the American Red Cross, Donna has developed deep and lasting relationships with those she touches. A young girl, Jacquelyn Rogers, who became a Red Cross ambassador after experiencing a blood shortage first hand, has particularly inspired Donna. Jacquelyn needed open-heart surgery and it was postponed due to a lack of blood. After recovering, Jacquelyn decided to work with the American Red Cross and Donna to show the real life impact of blood donation.

Donna also brings her faith with her regardless of the circumstance. As a lifelong Catholic, Donna said, “I have learned the importance of community service and giving back to others not only from my church, but also from my family. My aunt was a Sister of St. Joseph for almost 75 years. My father, mother, and extended family were devoted to giving back to their church, country, and communities throughout their lives. For me, my faith enables me to come into very challenging and devastating situations and provide a shoulder to lean on, a caring embrace and provide relief for those who need it most.” Donna's commitment to advocating for blood donation and working directly with those affected by tragedy exemplifies the mission of the Massachusetts Care Awards- we are excited to recognize her compassionate care.

Donna and her fellow winners will be honored at the event on Thursday, June 8, 2017 beginning at 5:30 PM at Labouré College in Milton. The event will include a comedy performance by Lenny Clarke, great food and wine, and the presentation of the awards to each winner. The celebration is open to the general public and ticket information can be found at http://www.laboure.edu/massachusetts-care-award.