This award is given for exceptional service in support of aging related concerns and for making a significant, positive impact on the lives of older Americans. The award began in 1983 and is named in honor of former Presbyterian SeniorCare Network Board Chair and leader, Sam McCune, who served Presbyterian SeniorCare Network for 34 years.

Dr. Saxton was honored for her work with the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh and for her groundbreaking research that showed the effectiveness of the Woodside model of dementia care, a groundbreaking, holistic approach which Presbyterian SeniorCare Network introduced 25 years ago. Dr. Saxton’s expertise was instrumental in helping the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network team evaluate care models and programming, which led to the creation of Woodside Place of Oakmont, one of the nation’s first residential dementia-specific communities of its kind that has been replicated more than 100 times since its inception in 1991.

The video honoring Dr. Saxton’s accomplishments as the recipient of The Samuel K. McCune Award for Distinguished Service can be viewed at https://youtu.be/FTne-igO530.