Hospital Honors Four Community Members With Annual Awards

Nantucket Cottage Hospital recently honored four individuals and organizations with its annual community awards, recognizing their leadership, service, and partnerships that have helped strengthen healthcare access on the island.

Presented through the hospital’s Community Impact Awards, the honors celebrate contributions that have made a lasting difference for the hospital and Nantucket residents.

The Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) received the Phil Murray Business Award for its role in improving transportation access across the island. Hospital officials highlighted the expansion of the NRTA to year-round service, the introduction of fare-free service, and a partnership that added Nantucket Cottage Hospital to two different routes. These initiatives have helped reduce transportation barriers for patients, family members, and hospital employees.

Craig Muhlhauser received the Sandy Craig Leadership Award in recognition of his service as chair of the hospital’s Board of Trustees. Muhlhauser led the organization through the challenges of COVID-19, guided efforts to expand healthcare services, and laid the foundation for the hospital’s historic capital campaign and staff housing initiative.

Michael Molinar was presented with the Myrt Eldridge Volunteer of the Year Award for his volunteer efforts that helped shape the hospital's environment for decades. Serving as chair of the hospital's Design Committee, Molinar has overseen projects to create a welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Most recently, he helped secure and install dozens of new pieces of artwork throughout the hospital.

Janet Bailey earned the Bruce A. Percelay Philanthropy Award in recognition of more than two decades of support for Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Bailey recently made an unrestricted gift that marked the culmination of more than 20 years of support from her and her late husband, Sam, along with an additional commitment made in honor of former NCH chief medical officer Dr. John D’Avella. Her generosity has played a significant role in the hospital's investment in staff housing, which will help support the future of care on Nantucket.

“These honorees reflect the very best of Nantucket — generosity, partnership, leadership, and a deep commitment to community,” said Amy Lee, President and COO of Nantucket Cottage Hospital, in a statement. “Each of them has helped strengthen our hospital and our ability to care for the island, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary contributions.”

Disclosure: Bruce A. Percelay is the publisher of Nantucket Current and is the chair of the Nantucket Cottage Hospital Board of Trustees.