Independence Blue Cross has announced the three winners of its sixth annual Celebrate Caring campaign, which honors extraordinary nurses in the region:

• Allison Denman, Clinical Director and Forensics Manager of Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions’ Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center (PSARC)
• Jasmine Hudson, an inpatient diabetes nurse practitioner with the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Penn Medicine
• Francis Doran, a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit nurse at Penn Medicine

Among the hundreds of heartfelt nominations submitted by patients, colleagues, family members, and community members, these three nurses go above and beyond to exemplify dedication, compassion, and excellence in their field. Their stories reflect the profound impact nurses have on the lives of their patients and communities.

This year, the winners are being recognized with the Sunshine Award, a new accolade paying tribute to Paula Sunshine, IBX’s former Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, who played a significant role in the campaign’s inception. Each winner will receive a $500 gift card and a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit of their choice.

Allison Denman

The PSARC is the city’s 24/7/365 resource for forensic evidence collection and medical care of adult and older adolescent victims of acute sexual assault. Outside of PSARC, Denman serves as a certified expert witness for local district attorneys and the state attorney general, specializing in expert testimony regarding legal standards of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) care, as well as traumatology and pathology pertinent to the SANE patient. Denman is committed to accessible, comprehensive, and inclusive, evidence-based education and policy development for progressive SANE care of all survivors.

Jasmine Hudson

Hudson addresses social determinants of health affecting diabetes patients, establishing a work group to improve care transitions and follow-up appointments. Her dedication to quality care earned her the December 2023 Good Catch Award. Beyond the hospital, she co-directs the Community Pillar of her division’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative. Under her leadership, a multidisciplinary team has been building community partnerships and introducing a series of weekend diabetes education classes. Additionally, Hudson represents the Penn Medicine diabetes program at West Philadelphia farmers’ markets, promoting diabetes education and services to enhance patient care and community health outcomes.

Francis Doran

Doran volunteers his time to provide wound care to the homeless and vulnerable of the Kensington area through the Kensington Project, which typically sets up at McPherson Square, commonly known as “Needle Park,” twice a month. Doran provides medical care, warm meals, clothes, toiletries, and other essentials.

“Nurses are the heart and soul of healthcare, looking after our loved ones during their most vulnerable moments,” said Koleen Cavanaugh, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at IBX. “We at Independence Blue Cross are so proud of the Celebrate Caring campaign because it provides an opportunity to thank the special nurses in our lives. The introduction of the Sunshine Award this year not only recognizes the exceptional contributions of our winners but also celebrates Paula Sunshine’s enduring legacy of calling attention to the critical role nurses play in patient care.”

Learn more about how Independence Blue Cross strives every day for the health and wellness of its members by giving them the resources they need to live every day better.