The Dr. Yoshiro Matsuo Compassionate Care Award was established in 2022 in recognition of Dr. Matsuo’s compassion, kindness, leadership, benevolence, and selfless service to community and others.

Dr. Matsuo was one of the original founders of Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care Inc. in 1983, serving as the first Medical Director on a volunteer-basis for 25 years. Dr. Matsuo also practiced as a well-respected physician in Oneonta for over 50 years. The award’s first winners were Lisa Schmitz (2023) and Dr. Ben Friedell (2024).

The 3rd Annual Dr. Matsuo Compassionate Care Award nominations will open on Tuesday, July 15th.

There is a 2-page nomination form that must be completed by Friday, August 22nd. The winner will receive a Commemorative Award, $500 Cash Prize, and their name on the Award Plaque at the Helios Care Office in Oneonta. The winner will be announced on October 10th, 2025 at the Grand Oneonta Opry Benefit for Hospice at Foothills in Oneonta. At this event, there will be an award reception for the winner and all nominees are invited to attend.

The winner of the 2nd Annual Dr. Yoshiro Matsuo Compassionate Care Award is Dr. Ben Friedell of Bassett. Dr. Friedell was selected from a pool of 16 other worthy nominees, coming from a myriad of disciplines. Dr. Friedell was chosen as this year’s winner for his deep commitment to community and his self-less service to others. As a practicing family physician in our area for over 35 years, Dr. Friedell saw a need for a clinic and was instrumental in founding the Oneonta Community Health Center.

The winner of the inaugural Dr. Yoshiro Matsuo Compassionate Care Award was announced in December of 2023. The first recipient is Lisa Schmitz, a Home Health Aide who was selected from 14 nominations that included people from all walks of life and from the three counties we represent. Lisa received a cash prize of $500, recognition on a plaque at the Helios Care offices, and a trophy for her home. Congratulations to Lisa!