From the Nominator

"This story centered on a unique collaboration among researchers from radically different fields—medicine, industrial and labor relations, technology studies, and computer and information science—who aim to improve the working conditions and expertise of home care workers.  

When a Cornell Chronicle writer approached the lead researcher to learn about the project, the physician suggested the writer talk with the people who catalyzed the research collaboration: her patient and the home health aide who cares for her.  

That set the stage for the writer and a multimedia team to visit the patient’s home in Brooklyn, New York, document her home care worker’s deep expertise and challenges, and the ways in which the researchers aim to leverage and expand home care workers’ knowledge and improve patient care in the process. The team also reported from Ithaca, interviewing faculty from three of Cornell's colleges.   

The resulting package—a long-form story, still photography, video and graphics—was highly successful, with 5,656 unique page views. Cornell’s associate vice president for state relations presented it to key representatives of the executive and legislative branches of New York State’s government, just as home care aides in New York received a $2-per-hour minimum wage increase as part of a push by lawmakers and advocates to address a statewide home care crisis. Members of Cornell’s Board of Trustees said they appreciated the package’s focus marginalized people: the low-income, undervalued women of color who care for patients in their homes."

From the Judges

It's always inspiring to read stories about how medical institutions are making a difference in people's lives, and this nomination certainly delivers on that front. The judges were particularly impressed with the way this piece tells the story of a patient and caregiver, which brings a personal and emotional dimension to an important national healthcare issue. The inclusion of data and research findings also adds to the credibility of the article and makes it clear that the institution is making a real impact.