Sylvia Daining is the newest recipient of the Dr. Charles Drew Health Advocate Award bestowed by the American Red Cross, West Michigan region. The award, given during the annual Grand Rapids, Mich., Hometown Heroes Celebration, recognizes “an individual who has dedicated their life to a cause that directly impacts the health and wellbeing of others.”
Daining has shown that dedication to health services in her career at both Wedgewood Christian Services and at the nonprofit Health Intervention Services (HIS). At Wedgewood, Daining provided counseling programs, and, as director of HIS for 11 years, Daining coordinated volunteers and staff for health care efforts.
“The work is in alignment with what Jesus calls us to do—healing,” said Daining describing her favorite part of her work. “At HIS, my heart felt called to that. [My] second [favorite thing] was the overwhelming gratitude I felt for the volunteers—for taking their own time. Some of them were professionals and could have been doing other things.” She noted the parallels between her work and church. “Both are multicultural and include a diverse group of people,” she said. HIS serves both immigrants and Michigan natives with health care provisions.
Daining enjoyed the spiritual component of her health care work, noting that her clients desired it as a part of their care.
Daining, a member of Madison Square Church in Grand Rapids, is retired but still feels connected with her work
“My heart is still there,” she said.
About the Author
Kristin Schmitt is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. She lives in Hudsonville, Michigan.