Newswise — PARK RIDGE, ILLINOIS – John “Jack” Hitchens, BA, CRNA, is honored with the 2016 AANA Foundation Rita L. LeBlanc Philanthropist of the Year Award during the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Nurse Anesthesia Annual Congress, held September 9-13, 2016, in Washington, D.C.
The Rita L. LeBlanc Philanthropist of the Year Award recognizes an individual who, like LeBlanc herself, is the personification of goodwill and generosity in both their professional and private lives. LeBlanc was an enthusiastic supporter of the AANA Foundation, a Board of Trustees member, and AANA Region 1 Director (1995-97), as well as serving on many committees at both state and national levels. Known for her unfailing optimism, LeBlanc personified the selfless “can do” spirit of the AANA Foundation and its goals.
“I am truly honored to be the recipient of this award and I hope it will serve as an example to others to give back to the organizations and causes that have had an impact on their lives,” said Hitchens. “It is important for us to look beyond ourselves and our smart devices, and ask what we can do with our time, talent, and treasure to make this world a better and happier place. I wish to thank the AANA Foundation for selecting me to receive this award.”
Hitchens served on the AANA Foundation Board of Trustees from 2008-14 as co-vice chair of fundraising, treasurer, and board chair in 2013. He currently serves on the Steering Committee for the RISE Above Campaign and the Gertrude Fife Cumulative Giving society. Hitchens’ passion as an overseas volunteer anesthesia provider and Boy Scout Leader exemplify his true dedication to giving to others beyond the AANA Foundation.
The AANA Foundation congratulates Jack Hitchens on being named the 2016 recipient of the Rita L. LeBlanc Philanthropist of the Year Award.
About the AANA FoundationEstablished in 1981, the AANA Foundation is a charitable organization devoted to anesthesia research and education. The Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. The Foundation funds health services research, scholarships, doctoral fellowships, post-doctoral fellowships, research grants, general poster sessions, oral "State of the Science" poster sessions and doctoral mentorships. www.aanafoundation.com
About the American Association of Nurse AnesthetistsFounded in 1931 and located in Park Ridge, Ill., and Washington, D.C., the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) is the professional organization representing more than 50,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists across the United States. As advanced practice registered nurses and anesthesia specialists, CRNAs administer approximately 43 million anesthetics to patients in the United States each year and are the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural America. In some states, CRNAs are the sole anesthesia professionals in nearly 100 percent of rural hospitals. For more information, visit www.aana.com and www.future-of-anesthesia-care-today.com.
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