Cindy Liukkonen

ESCANABA — Cindy Liukkonen, activities director at Ciena Healthcare’s Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba, has received statewide recognition as the Gerry Baker Hero of Healthcare from the Healthcare Association of Michigan.

Liukkonen received her award on Sept. 23 at a special award presentation in Grand Rapids, Mich. She received the state award for many reasons, including her motto that “nursing homes are not the place you go to die, but to live.”

The Health Care Association of Michigan is the premier professional association representing nursing and rehabilitation communities, including for- and not-for-profit, county medical care and hospital based providers. HCAM currently represents more than 340 nursing facilities.