Erie County DA to present Horizon with Patriotic Employer Award

Buffalo, NY, June 25, 2003 – Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark is presenting Horizon Health Services with the Department of Defense “Patriotic Employer Award” at a ceremony at Horizon’s headquarters, at 3020 Bailey Avenue at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 26.  The award is given by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a part of the United States Department of Defense.  Horizon is receiving the award for “contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom.”

Horizon substance abuse counselor Delcey Ann Pulvino nominated her employer for the prestigious award based on Horizon’s support of her military service above and beyond the call of duty.  A Sergeant First Class in the Army Reserves, Ms. Pulvino has been a reservist in the 865th Combat Support Hospital out of Niagara Falls for the past 16 years.  During Operation Enduring Freedom she has been stationed in Kuwait, where she supervises nurses in a hospital.  She is waiting orders to return home, hopefully in July.

Accepting the award will be Anne Constantino, Horizon President and CEO, and other staff members.  Ms. Pulvino’s husband, also a reservist tending to their four children while his wife is on active duty, plans to attend.  Clark, an active ESGR member and a former marine, will present the award.  In talking about the award Clark expressed his “strong admiration for men and women who sacrifice their lives and livelihood while serving in the armed forces protecting our country.”

The Department of Defense chartered ESGR in 1972 to address potential perceptional problems arising among the nation’s employers regarding the phasing out of the “draft” and the establishment of an all-volunteer force.  ESGR helps minimize interference between part-time military duties and full time civilian career responsibilities.  Locally ESGR is comprises of distinguished citizens representing business, government, labor and military volunteers who provide informational and assistance programs to employers encouraging support of reservists.  They act as ombudsman providing third party assistance and informal mediation services to employers and members of the National Guard and Reserve.  Several ongoing communication-building events such a Briefing with the Boss and Bosslift programs enhance understanding among all concerned with supporting employer-reserve relationships.

Horizon Health Services is the largest and most comprehensive outpatient provider of integrated mental health, chemical dependency and medical services in Western New York, delivering care at accessible locations throughout Erie and Niagara Counties.