Frank Willis has been named Ombudsman of the Year by Alabama’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Willis is the only full-time local ombudsman for the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC), which serves Baldwin, Escambia, and Mobile counties.
Willis was honored for providing exceptional service to the long-term care residents in the SARPC region and for going above and beyond as an advocate for residents. He was recognized by Alabama’s State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Director, Virginia Moore-Bell on May 31, 2023, in Montgomery.
In Fiscal Year 2022, Willis addressed 67 complaints, provided 1,046 consultations to facilities, gave consultations to 1,195 individuals, organized 39 training sessions to staff, and made 54 community education presentations on long-term care issues. He also is a strong advocate for the Gateway to the Community Program.
“Willis has exceeded typical daily requirements of the ombudsman program by delivering care packages, robotic pets, and dressing as Santa Claus to deliver gifts at Christmas to residents in long-term care facilities,” said Bell.” Alabama’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program received letters from facility staff and individuals praising the exceptional service Willis provides and commended him on his advocacy for dealing with sensitive and complex situations. His tireless efforts, hard work, and dedication to his role as local ombudsman representative is to be commended.”