The 49th Annual Conference and Exhibition for the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) was recently held in Vancouver. With over 250 attendees from Canada and the U.S., it is marked the second highest attended program in the history of the conference.
Paladin Security’s Chief Operating Officer, Don MacAlister, was presented with the prestigious President’s Award at the conference’s award ceremony and banquet on April 25, 2017.
The President’s Award is given to individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions, dedication and service to the IAHSS and the field of healthcare security and safety.
Don began his career in healthcare security in 1989 and has been an influential leader in the industry since then. He has mentored countless individuals who have also grown to be leaders in the field. In addition to serving on numerous committees and councils, Don was also one of the individuals who founded the BC Chapter of IAHSS in 1995 and served the chapter and region in almost every role.
On top of all this, Don also co-wrote the 6th edition of “Hospital and Healthcare Security” wherein he graciously and quietly donates all of the proceeds to support Paladin Security’s partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society.
Outgoing IAHSS President and Paladin Security VP Jeff Young presented his colleague and friend with the award, saying,
“[Don] checks all the boxes. This individual has been a boss, bringing me into healthcare in 1990, a mentor since then and continues to be one today as we continue to work together. All throughout this time, he has been a champion in our profession, being one of the first to recognize our important linkage to patient care and engagement with clinical staff. With all of that being said, the most important fact to me, personally, is I can call him my good friend.”
Don spoke of the acknowledgement, sharing,
“On a night when two of our employees and one of our clients were recognized with awards for their contributions to patient-centric service, this award reinforces for me the importance of an ongoing commitment to professionalizing the industry. Receiving the award from Jeff made this even more significant for me and the acknowledgement of my peers made this a moment I will never forget.”
In addition to Don’s incredible acknowledgement, Paladin Security’s Troy Burrows and Joshua Parks from our Lower Mainland healthcare partnership with IPS, were recognized with a Medal of Merit for their heroic efforts to revive and overdosed patient. This is the 4th time Paladin security officers have been recognized with an international award for their outstanding performance to support the safe care of patients. As well, Paladin’s client, Trillium Health Partners, were the recipient of the Lindberg Bell Award for their outstanding security program, the first Canadian program to receive this award.
The International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety is the only organization solely dedicated to professionals involved in managing and directing security and safety programs in healthcare facilities. With more than 2,000 members, IAHSS is “The Trusted Authority in Healthcare Security and Safety.”