Baltimore—MedStar Union Memorial Hospital’s vice president of operations Neil MacDonald has received The Arc Baltimore’s 2013 Special Appreciation Award. Recognized for his involvement with Project SEARCH, an innovative employment program for people with developmental disabilities, this award demonstrates MacDonald’s commitment and dedication to fulfilling The Arc Baltimore’s mission: to provide advocacy and high quality, life-changing supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The Arc Baltimore acknowledges outstanding services to the agency and/or to its constituency each year during its annual meeting in May. The Special Appreciation Award is one of The Arc’s Community Partner Awards, presented to individuals or groups rendering truly outstanding assistance to The Arc and/or to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Through MacDonald’s leadership, Project SEARCH was launched at MedStar Union Memorial in fall 2012. Starting with 12 young adults, the program uniquely places students in internships throughout the hospital. The program also includes a classroom component, through which interns receive instruction in employability and independent living skills.

More than 10 years ago, MacDonald first learned of Project SEARCH. As a key hospital administrator, MacDonald immediately recognized that the program could be a great fit at MedStar Union Memorial. While obstacles of adequate space, leadership changes and other delays prevented start-up, MacDonald never lost interest or hope in the proposal. In 2011, a window opened for approval of the program and planning began.

“Neil has been an ambassador for the program in every part of the hospital,” said Joanna Falcone, Director of Project SEARCH, a program of The Arc Baltimore. “His persistence and dedication has helped make the success of the program at MedStar Union Memorial a reality.”

MacDonald recently was named Vice President of The Arc Baltimore’s Board of Directors. He previously had served as Board Secretary.

About MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, one of the top specialty hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland, has been caring for members of the community for more than 150 years. Our hospital is proud to carry on the tradition of quality care that is provided by a dedicated, compassionate team of physicians, nurses and support staff who use the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies available. This combination of a highly skilled staff and state-of-the-art technology makes MedStar Union Memorial the choice of patients throughout the region.

About The Arc Baltimore
Dedicated to providing advocacy and high quality, life-changing supports since 1949 in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, The Arc Baltimore supports more than 6,000 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. As one of the nation’s largest and most respected organizations of its kind, The Arc Baltimore is an indispensable resource, providing employment training, residential services, supported employment, and other programs and services. For more information, visit www.thearcbaltimore.org or call 410-296-2272.

For more information on this or any other MedStar Union Memorial Hospital story, you may contact us at 410-554-2500.

Megan Lutz
410-554-2781
[email protected]