The Queens Office of the American Red Cross in Greater New York celebrated its Annual Spring Gala on May 5, 2005. The event honored Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin and Stephen Mills, President and CEO of New York Hospital Queens, with the Community Leadership Award. This special award is given to individuals who have made important contributions to both Queens and the American Red Cross in Greater New York.

Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin has represented Queens since 1992 and has an impressive list of accomplishments and legislative priorities: criminal justice reform, preserving residential quality of life, job growth, consumer protection and services for the elderly. In addition, one of his key issues is rebuilding New York’s aging infrastructure, which is particularly relevant to the Red Cross since many of the fires the organization responds to are in older houses. In addition to being an active leader in the State Assembly, Assemblyman McLaughlin is also a journeyman electrician by trade and serves as president of the New York City Central Labor Council, which represents more than 1.5 million working New Yorkers.

Stephen Mills is President and CEO of New York Hospital Queens, which is a very vital part of the fabric of life in Queens. Under his excellent leadership, he has greatly expanded the capabilities of the hospital to include open heart surgery, expanded clinical research and a state-of-the-art facility for birthing, neonatal intensive care and emergency and trauma treatment. In addition, he has placed a special emphasis on community health programs and outreach and has created programs and lectures for schools, senior citizens and community organizations. As part of one of the most diverse boroughs in the world, the hospital strives to deliver culturally sensitive care with multi-lingual community liaisons and a patient menu that offers Korean, Kosher and many other types of food. An innovative leader in the field of health care, Stephen is also a member of the Board of the Greater New York Hospital Association and the Health Care Association of New York State.

The Queens Office of the American Red Cross in Greater New York is proud to honor these outstanding community members.