MEMPHIS, Tenn. — ARS (American Residential Services) is awarding free equipment and installations of HVAC systems and hot water heaters to the honorees of its ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program across its entire national network. Following a three-week nomination process, deserving healthcare workers throughout the country received a new HVAC system or water heater.

"Our healthcare workers have been selfless during one of our country's most trying times, and ARS Cares' Healthcare Heroes program is all about recognizing this sacrifice," said Luis Orbegoso, president and chief operating officer of ARS. "ARS received nominations from across the U.S., as the outpouring of support was inspiring. Surprising the recipients with these free systems and installations is something that is truly rewarding for our team and demonstrates that gratitude we have for them."

Following the announcement of the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program in May, family, friends, and coworkers were invited to share stories of why they felt these front-line workers were deserving of home improvements that would deliver relief and relaxation. Each ARS branch then selected a deserving honoree. HVAC and water heater system installations began in June.

Below are just a few examples of deserving recipients across the U.S.

Nominated by her sister to receive a new HVAC system, Tyra White has served as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Greensboro for more than 30 years, dedicating her life to supporting and helping others. Described as dedicated and hardworking, White continues to put her patients above herself, even while managing her own lupus diagnosis. With her old HVAC system failing, ARS/Rescue Rooter Greensboro replaced the unit in June.

Ursula Jones, who served in the U.S. Navy, is a registered nurse at the V.A. Hospital in Memphis, where she has been able to care for fellow veterans. She returned to work after an eight-month recovery from a motorcycle accident, jumping right in to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. In need of a new water heater, Conway Services installed a brand-new unit.

Karen Falco, a Baltimore-based nurse at Johns Hopkins Bayview, was nominated to receive a new HVAC system by a close friend. Falco is a mother of five and has faced especially difficult circumstances during this crisis, including the return of an aggressive bone cancer in her 16-year-old son and the declining health of her father. Unable to take on additional shifts at work, she recently had her A/C system break. Described by her friends as graceful and compassionate, she received a new HVAC system from Blue Dot Services.

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