On Monday, Aug. 26, former Wareham Select Board member Alan Slavin was recognized for his 12 years of service on the board with Southcoast Health’s ‘Hero for Health’ award.

This award is presented annually to an outstanding leader, or group of leaders, that exemplify the mission of Southcoast Health by fighting for and promoting health and wellness in the region, the state and the country.

“I had no idea it was coming,” said Slavin — he said he was told to come to the hospital for a meeting with the Southcoast Health CEO regarding property, and then was brought into the awards ceremony.

Slavin was selected to receive the 2023 Hero for Health Award for his commitment to the South Coast region and for his years of Select Board service in Wareham, according to Southcoast Health. Slavin also played a collaborative role in the expansion of the Tobey Hospital Emergency Department.

“I’ve been an advocate for the hospital for a long time,” said Slavin. “We’re very fortunate to have a hospital in our town.”

Slavin said that when he was the Select Board liaison to the Historic District Commission and the Historic Commission, he advocated for Tobey Hospital to bring an Emergency Room into Wareham, even if it meant damage to the historic Tobey homestead.

“Alan Slavin, after 12 remarkable years on the Wareham Select Board, we wanted to reflect on your career in public service and thank you for your commitment to this region. Your impact has been felt throughout various communities and we sincerely thank you,” said David O. McCready, President & CEO of Southcoast Health who presented the award.

“We are proud to see Alan Slavin receive the Hero for Health award. His tremendous efforts and support of the Emergency Department expansion, Tobey Hospital, and our community as a whole has helped make Wareham an even better place to live and work,” said Derek Sullivan, Wareham Town Administrator.