People’s Arc Of Suffolk honors Michele Latona with its first DAISY Award
Bohemia-based nonprofit People’s Arc of Suffolk honored longtime nurse Michele Latona as the organization’s first-ever recipient of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses during a ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 1 in Hauppauge.
“I’m incredibly humbled by this honor,” said Latona, of Aquebogue, who has served People’s Arc of Suffolk for 21 years. “Being recognized for doing something you think is important and that you love to do is very impactful. All of our nurses go above and beyond every day for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every one of them deserves the same level of recognition.”
Established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease, The DAISY Award was inspired by the extraordinary care Barnes and his family received from nurses during his hospitalization. The award recognizes and thanks nurses for the difference they make in the lives of patients and families.
“Michele has dedicated more than two decades to caring for the people we support and helping ensure that our nurses and staff provide the highest level of care,” said Maria Randazzo, director of nursing at People’s Arc of Suffolk. “She is a nurse whose compassion and commitment have made a difference in countless lives. She represents exactly what the DAISY Award is intended to celebrate.”
People’s Arc began working with The DAISY Foundation in 2026 after Randazzo first encountered the program while visiting a person supported by People’s Arc during a hospital stay. During its first year participating in the program, People’s Arc received 83 nominations from people supported, family members and staff, with 17 nurses nominated for the award.
“Those 83 nominations demonstrate just how deeply our nurses impact the lives of the people and families we serve,” Randazzo said. “Michele is our first honoree, but this program gives us an opportunity to celebrate extraordinary nursing throughout People’s Arc. We look forward to making this an annual tradition.”
