Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) recently honored 13 employees from across its Kentucky and West Virginia system in Lexington.

Employee representatives from each ARH community who had been named as their respective hospital’s annual CARES winner were recognized during the system’s Board of Trustees meeting.

Larry “Apple” Adkins, who has 22 years of service with ARH as a plant maintenance repairman, was honored because of his proven dedication and commitment to exceeding the ARH CARES Standards (Communication, Attentive, Respectful, Environment and Special) at Middlesboro ARH Hospital.

Middlesboro ARH Hospital Community CEO Michael Slusher shared, “I am so pleased that Apple Adkins was chosen for this year’s CARES award winner. Apple has a servant’s heart — always ready to step in and help other co-workers when there is a need. Once his landscape duties are completed for the day, you will find Apple assisting the plumbers, sweeping the boiler room or even painting. He not only exemplifies the CARES standards, Apple goes the extra mile to help others.”

Middlesboro ARH Engineering Manager Ed Jones added, “Apple is key part of the engineering team. He has gone above and beyond to ensure the grounds, parking lots and walkways at Middlesboro ARH look better than they have in years. He is compassionate and caring to everyone he meets. He is the first to offer help in any situation. His dedication is a good example for every employee at ARH.”

During the award ceremony, CARES winners received a plaque in recognition of their achievement. “These employees have been recognized as going above and beyond to care for our patients, the communities we serve and their coworkers,” ARH President and CEO Joe Grossman said. “We are very proud of each of our CARES winners and sincerely appreciate their dedication to a health system that means so much to our communities.”