Mila Alcantara-McClave

Receives Outstanding Professional In Health Care Award

At the Queens DD Council Conference on May 4, 2011

Queens Centers for Progress is proud to announce that Mila Alcantara-McClave received the Outstanding Professional in Health Care Award at the recent Queens DD Council Conference which was held on May 4, 2011.

Mila has provided Queens Centers for Progress LPN services for over eight years in our Residential Department.  In that time, she has provided oversight of all the special medical needs of our residents.  Insulin injections, feeding tube maintenance and colostomy care are tasks one would expect a nurse to handle during their work day.  Mila’s commitment to our residents goes far beyond the nursing handbook.  She handles her responsibilities at QCP like a mom kissing a boo-boo - attending medical appointments in the community and communicating with hospital staff when one of ours is not feeling well.  Whenever a medically frail individual requests a vacation, Mila volunteers to attend the trip and provide medical oversight.  Families and advocates seek out Mila for advice and comfort when a loved one needs special attention to overcome a health concern.  She never fails to enlighten and make people feel better.  Our staff appreciates Mila - she provides them understanding and instruction on all clinical protocols necessary to keep our residents in good health.  When Mila recognizes direct care staff may be overwhelmed, she will assist to feed, lift, transfer, administer medication or cook a meal.  Over the years, Mila has helped to train new nurses in QCP policy, OPWDD regulations and most importantly, best medical care for our residents.  She has done the same for nursing supervisors and even a medical director.

On December 26, 2010, as the whole city struggled to figure out a way to clear our roads from the snowstorm, Mila was thinking about those she serves.  A diabetic resident was due to get her insulin coverage.  Mila could not get her car out of the snow drift and public transportation could not be found.  She hitch-hiked and walked for miles in the snow from her home to a QCP residence.  Her commitment to support individuals with disabilities clearly goes above and beyond job descriptions and regulations.

Congratulations Mila!

QCP is Proud of your accomplishments!