Tom Schwarz’s unique efforts to care for team members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic were recognized in October when he was chosen as the recipient of the Webster and Elise Van Winkle Excellence in Health Care Award. LincolnHealth President Jim Donovan presented the award in front of a small, socially distanced group in the Miles Café.

Employees nominate those whom they feel have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of our patients and/or team members. Schwarz received seven nominations, and each touched upon how Tom and his team turned the Miles Café into a small store for employees where they could pick up necessities, like soap and toilet paper. He was also praised for adding meats, cheese, milk, eggs and additional healthy food choices and for his outreach to neighbors who have counted on the Café for low-cost meals and could no longer get them because the cafeteria was closed to the public.

“This award means a lot but honestly, it’s not about me, it’s about a team that came together to care for our patients and staff at a time of need,’’ Schwarz said. “We can all throw out ideas, that’s the easy part, but it takes a team to execute and sustain those ideas. I am proud to be a part of our exceptional team and to receive this award.”

The late Webster and Elise Van Winkle believed LincolnHealth’s greatest assets are its employees. He created this annual award to recognize employees who make significant contributions to the organization and their department above and beyond the call of duty.

The award winner is allowed to spend a portion of the interest from the endowed funds on a project that benefits LincolnHealth’s patients and team members.