Two teams of kid experts and volunteers from Children’s Minnesota were recognized by the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) for their work supporting kids, families and communities. The awards were presented Sept. 17 at the MHA Annual Meeting in Brainerd.
Project ADAM Minnesota, a program led by Children’s Minnesota and The Children’s Heart Clinic, received a Community Benefit Award. Mary Drazan and therapy dogs Maggie and Millie, a Pets Assisting with Healing (PAWH) volunteer team at Children’s Minnesota, received a Volunteer Excellence Award.
MHA’s awards recognize hospitals, health systems and individuals across Minnesota for work that improves the health and well-being of patients, families, staff and communities.
Project ADAM Minnesota
Project ADAM Minnesota was honored for helping schools across the state prepare to recognize and respond to sudden cardiac arrest. Terasa Smith, RCIS, BHA, program coordinator for Project ADAM Minnesota, accepted the award on behalf of the program. Andrew Schneider, MD, pediatric cardiologist, is the program director.
The program provides free consultation, education and hands-on support to schools, youth sports organizations and community sites as they create and practice cardiac emergency response plans. Schools that complete the requirements can earn the Heart Safe School designation.
As Minnesota school districts and charter schools prepared to meet a new state requirement for written and practiced cardiac emergency response plans beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Project ADAM Minnesota helped schools across the state build readiness and confidence.
PAWH volunteer team
Mary Drazan and therapy dogs Maggie and Millie were honored with MHA’s Volunteer Excellence Award for the comfort, connection and moments of joy they have brought to patients, families and staff at Children’s Minnesota. Annie Dressen, family resource and volunteer coordinator, accepted on behalf of Mary, Maggie and Millie.
As part of the PAWH program, certified volunteer handler-and-animal teams visit patients and families at the Children’s Minnesota Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses. The program helps normalize the hospital environment, support the human-animal bond, encourage conversation and interaction, and brighten the days of patients, families and staff.
The PAWH program is part of the broader Child and Family Services team’s commitment to supporting the emotional well-being of patients and families.
Mary, Maggie and Millie’s recognition also reflects the important role volunteers play at Children’s Minnesota. Volunteers give their time, energy and compassion to support our patients, families and teams in ways that can make the hospital experience feel a little brighter.
