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I write this letter to celebrate and honor Janelle Hawkins, a Stanly County “Hidden Hero.”

Janelle recently retired from the Stanly County Community Advisory Committee for Nursing and Domiciliary Homes after 40 years of volunteer service.

Janelle joined this committee shortly after the state legislature in 1977 enacted laws establishing Patients Bill of Rights requiring CAC committees in all 100 counties in North Carolina.

I’m confident Janelle is one of the longest serving volunteer CAC committee members in North Carolina.

She has been the most dedicated and trusted advocate for nursing home, domiciliary and assisted living residents rights I have ever known.

Janelle’s thousands of visits to every facility in Stanly County over the past 40 years enriched the lives of hundreds of Stanly County’s frail elderly.

Thank You, Janelle Hawkins.

Bill Mullinix Jr.

Richfield