Visiting Nurse Association & Blue Water Hospice (VNABWH) President & CEO Angela DeLaere was honored at the 2024 United Way of St. Clair County annual meetingwith the Thomas D. Melms Award. 

The Thomas D. Melms Award is named in honor of the long-time United Way Executive Director. Tom served as the head of the local United Way for 22 years. He was a pillar of the community and served on several collaborations and boards that shaped the Human Services Delivery structure of the Blue Water Area. Tom is described as a quiet, compassionate man who gave of himself to anyone who asked for help. In 1999, the United Way and Melms family established the award as a memorial to Tom. It is given annually to a United Way Affiliated Organization Chief Professional Officer who exemplifies the values Tom lived by. 

Angela has been with VNABWH since 2018. Previously she was with the Beaumont system, gaining more responsibilities throughout her tenure. She has earned an MBA in Health Care Management as well as the distinguished Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) title. Today, she serves on several boards and committees including United Way, Community Foundation of St. Clair County, Past President of Midwest Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (MCACHE), and President Elect of Community First Health Centers. 

While accepting the award from United Way CEO Brent Gillette, Angela said, “this is an honor, but I see this as an award for our entire team – together we are making a difference in our community”.

Since 1952, Visiting Nurse Association has provided a continuum of care including home health, hospice care, and private duty home care to the people of St. Clair, Sanilac, Lapeer, and Macomb counties. VNA & Blue Water Hospice is a non-profit organization that provides high-quality, cost-effective health care to any patient and family member with short-term, long-term, or end-of-life care.