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(KAIR)--A local nurse earns statewide recognition as Physician of the Year.

Nurse practitioner Fonda Lafrenz APRN was selected for the honor by the Kansas Home Care and Hospice Association. She received the recognition during the association’s annual meeting held in Lawrence, Kansas September 19.

According to a news release, Lafrenz, a resident of Hiawatha, was nominated by the administrators of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Home Health and Hospice, located in Hiawatha.

According to the release, Lafrenz, following her retirement in local family practice, continued as a nurse practitioner for two different hospices.

The nomination letter calls Lafrenz “a true hero and champion for those with serious disease,” adding that she is a critical part of the agency’s team.

Lafrenz began her nursing career in 1979, working in home care off and on since 1988. In 2000, she completed her nurse practitioner education.

Northeast Kansas Multi-County Home Health and Hospice provides services to the local counties of Brown, Atchison, Doniphan, Jackson, and Nemaha.