2024 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 17-19, 2024 • Denver, CO
Award Winner/Nominee Details 2024
Ginger Mullin
It brings us immense joy and enthusiasm to present Dr. Ginger Mullin as a nominee for the Antonia Brancia Maxon Award for EHDI Excellence. In her role as the Illinois EHDI Coordinator, Dr. Mullin has showcased exceptional dedication, leadership, and innovation in the realm of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI), leaving a lasting impact on the lives of children and families, not only in Illinois but across the nation! Dr. Mullin's steadfast commitment to improving EHDI services and outcomes is evident in the transformative initiatives she has championed. She has fostered meaningful connections and collaborations among EHDI Coordinators through the facilitation of "EHDI Chats." Additionally, Dr. Mullin has spearheaded collaboration creating various resources for EHDI programs, including the initiation of projects such as:
- Family EHDI Data (FEHDI) to determine which data to capture in regard to family support, definitions of the data points and resources for data collection through HiTrack.
- Virtual Site Visits (VSV) to support EHDI programs in providing consistent messaging for EHDI goals, procedures, and training for Newborn Screening programs. This came at a vital time during the pandemic when traditional onsite visits were not viable.
- Promoting EHDI Practices (PEP) to provide educational materials for professionals and families to understand JCIH recommendations around the proper procedures and standards of care related to EHDI practices.
She has discreetly provided financial support and initiated additional system improvements for both professionals and families, often escaping public awareness. Her innovative ideas, strategic thinking, and collaborative spirit contribute to the continuous improvement of the HiTrack database, tracking and education systems, and the Newborn Hearing Screening Training Curriculum. All of these improvements are for the benefit and utilization by all EHDI partners, there is never a “what's in it for me” attitude. When Ginger attacks a project it is a "how can we make this work for all.”
An exceptional hallmark of Dr. Mullin's work is her ability to cultivate collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including professionals, educators, parents, and community organizations, both within Illinois and nationwide. Her inclusive approach has resulted in a more cohesive and effective EHDI system, leading to increased awareness, early identification, and intervention for infants with hearing loss, along with expanded resources for all.
Moreover, Dr. Mullin's compassion, kindness, and aspiration for constant improvement serve as an inspiration for others, encouraging belief in themselves and the possibility of a utopia filled with "rainbows and unicorns." It is because of these qualities and the numerous impactful projects she has led that Dr. Mullin has earned the respect and gratitude of countless parents and peers.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the EHDI community, we wholeheartedly nominate Dr. Ginger Mullin for the Antonia Brancia Maxon Award for EHDI Excellence. Her exemplary leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication have set a remarkable standard for EHDI programs, making her truly deserving of this prestigious award.