Soucy recognized for leading pandemic response in Easterseals residential programs
Manchester, NH — Easterseals New Hampshire congratulates John Soucy, Senior Vice President of Children’s Programs, on receiving the New Hampshire Community Health Service Award from the New Hampshire Public Health Association (NHPHA) at their 2022 Annual Meeting last week. The New Hampshire Community Service Award for Health recognizes an organization, business or group making a significant contribution to improving the health of New Hampshire residents.
NHPHA is a member-driven organization that champions public health policy and practice, enriches the workforce, and inspires leaders to improve the public’s health. Soucy was honored by the NHPHA for his leadership in partnering with public health officials to implement best practices around ensuring the health and safety of Easterseals residents and staff.
Easterseals’ therapeutic residential programs serve nearly 100 children and youth with severe disabilities every day across four sites in New Hampshire. When one location had one of the first major facility-based COVID outbreaks in 2020, Soucy’s response was immediate. Since then, he has been in daily or weekly contact with the Division of Public Health Services to keep his programs and the agency current on the latest COVID protocols.
“John’s passion for the well-being of our residents and staff has been inspirational and his command of pandemic public health policy exceptional,” said Maureen Beauregard, Easterseals New Hampshire President and CEO. “At every turn, he has successfully balanced the need to keep children healthy with the therapeutic benefits of keeping them connected to the critical support of their parents and caregivers. We are grateful for his dedication and appreciate the recognition of his work by the NHPHA.
“For two years, John has been on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep residential programs open safely for vulnerable youth who depend on Easterseals,” said Easterseals Chief Growth Officer and NHPHA board member Lisabritt Solsky Stevens, who nominated Soucy for the award. “My warmest congratulations to John. He is most deserving of the NHPHA’s service award for health.”
Soucy attended every NH Health Advisory Network meeting and displayed great thought leadership in putting what he learned into action at Easterseals. He oversaw the building of outdoor gazebos and long picnic tables that allowed families to visit their children in residence while adhering to the state’s pandemic guidelines. He organized students and staff into cohorts to minimize the risk of widespread illness. He coordinated routine on-site testing and successfully implemented the mandatory vaccination of staff and students in partnership with Manchester Public Health and the NH National Guard.
“I am honored to receive the NHPHA’s award,” said Soucy. “Responding to the pandemic has been an incredible team and community effort. I cannot thank my colleagues at Easterseals, our staff, our clients, and their families enough for rolling with the constant change and uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. I appreciate the guidance of the NHPHA, DPHS, and all our community partners throughout this challenging time. Thank you for your support.”
About Easterseals New Hampshire
For more than 84 years, Easterseals New Hampshire has provided exceptional services to ensure that all people with varied abilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. As a leader in social services for individuals with disabilities and other challenges, Easterseals NH employs more than 1,600 individuals and provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 23,000 people each year with 11 core programs throughout the state. Visit easterseals.com/nh.
About New Hampshire Public Health Association
NHPHA is a statewide membership organization composed of health care and public health professionals. For over 25 years, it has brought together members who share a common goal of making sure that all New Hampshire citizens live, learn, work, and play in safe and healthy environments. For more information, visit nhpha.org or call 603-228-2983.