Southcoast Health Presents the Annual Hero for Health Award

On April 10, David O. McCready, President & CEO of Southcoast Health presented Marylouise Gamache, Ombudsperson, Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the EOHHS Complex Discharge Support Team with the annual Southcoast Health Hero for Health Award at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

This award is presented to an outstanding leader, or group of leaders, who exemplify the mission of Southcoast Health by advocating for our region and advancing the health and wellness of our community through their work.

Recognized with the 2025 award, Marylouise Gamache, the leader of the EOHHS Complex Discharge Support Team, was selected for her deep commitment to solving complex discharge cases and Southcoast Health applauds the team’s unwavering support for patients experiencing challenging circumstances.

With Marylouise Gamache’s leadership, this team advocates for and assists patients with accessing their next step in care with a patient first mindset. Every day through their work, this team is taking action to improve the quality of life for all residents of the Commonwealth, and they are always determined to find solutions and appropriate support when it is needed most.

“Marylouise Gamache, we are honored to present you and your team with this award. Your efforts make a profound difference in the lives of patients across our health system and throughout the state, many of whom are positively impacted by your work. Thank you for being an exceptional partner in the South Coast region. We greatly appreciate all you do for our patients and look forward to our continued collaboration,” said McCready.

“Southcoast Health has always been a receptive and creative collaborator in our work,” said Gamache. “I am honored that our team has been recognized by them in this way. As I always say, discharge is a team sport and it would not be possible without our partners across the EOHHS agencies, MassHealth, and in the community.”

Marylouise serves as the Ombudsperson for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, assisting individuals in the Commonwealth who need support with a variety of healthcare and social services.

“Marylouise and the EOHHS Complex Discharge Support Team are invaluable members of the EOHHS team,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD. “I am thrilled that she and the team are being recognized for their hard work, passionate dedication, and tenacity in finding solutions for Massachusetts residents in some of the most complex circumstances. Congratulations to Marylouise and her team, I am grateful for their leadership.”