Rita Harsch received the 2014 “Advocate of the Year” award for her excellence in advocacy leadership with Meadowlark Hillson Oct. 1, 2014.

Rita’s level of expertise with Medicaid and insurance allows her the opportunity to advocate for residents and their families to ensure their benefits.  In the confusing world of medical assistance and insurance programs, Rita provides elders and their family’s guidance and support.

Rita is passionate about helping older adults as they wade through the process of insurance and medical assistance programs. She often goes above and beyond, including working outside of “normal” business hours, to meet with families. Harsch definitely goes the extra mile to advocate that older adults make the best appropriate and beneficial insurance decisions.

“Rita Harsch is an exceptional employee of Meadowlark Hills with a commitment to taking care of seniors in her community,” said Debra Zehr, CEO & President of LeadingAge Kansas.  “In one story about Rita, we learned that she was instrumental in a resident receiving their monthly income from the VA.  We applaud Rita in her efforts and cannot say ‘thank you’ enough to her for the support she gives to the Manhattan community.”

Through her advocacy, Rita is raising awareness of the value of aging service providers in Kansas. She received this award from LeadingAge Kansas, a statewide association of 160 not-for-profit aging services providers dedicated to serving the needs of over 20,000 seniors in Kansas each day. This annual award is presented to an individual or group who is a champion for elders and has provided outstanding advocacy leadership on behalf of older Kansans. An inspirational evening celebrating our award winners took place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.1, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan, Kansas.