PGM Robert J. Allen Receives Home Care Industries Highest Honor
On September 9, 2021, the Rhode Island Partnership for Home Care presented its highest honor, the Thomas A. Lamb Home Care Advocacy Award, to Past Grand Master Robert J. Allen for his work with the Robert J. Allen Medical Equipment Distribution Center in Warwick.
This award is presented annually to an individual that moves the home care industry forward by demonstrating the vision, integrity, spirit and tenacity of the Honorable Thomas Lamb, Former Majority Leader of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. Representative Lamb was an early believer in what the industry and society understands to be true; patients do better when they are cared for at home, and home care is the most cost-effective healthcare delivery system.
The Robert J. Allen Medical Equipment Distribution Center opened nearly 20 years ago. It was initially limited to providing new and gently used donated equipment to Freemasons and their families. Over the years, it has expanded to include anyone in need. The equipment has always been and will continue to be free of charge.
Accessing medical equipment remains difficult, but it was never more true than in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when domestic and foreign manufacturing of home medical equipment stopped. Local pharmacies and durable medical equipment suppliers ran out of hospital beds, walkers, shower chairs and other items. M∴W∴ Allen and the crew of Masonic volunteers were instrumental in helping home care providers get equipment necessary for their patients.
"We believe that Bob Allen and the center, through his leadership and commitment Rhode Island's vulnerable, homebound population makes him the perfect person to receive this award", said Cheryl Levesque, Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Rhode Island Partnership for Home Care and Executive Director of Patient Care Services for Home Care Advantage, a skilled nursing and personal care attendant services provider based in Cranston.
By: Nicholas Oliver
