Betty Jo Bell, MN, RN
Betty Bell has devoted her life’s work to the care of children with developmental disabilities. Ms. Bell received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Texas-Galveston, and Master of Nursing from University of Florida. She pioneered early childhood intervention in Alabama, initially working with children born with Down Syndrome, and subsequently expanding care to children born with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and a variety of other genetic disorders. Her highly successful healthcare program embodies a distinctive model of care using community volunteers and a multi-disciplinary team to help ensure that the children’s needs are reviewed and addressed.
In 1984, Ms. Bell began a partnership with volunteer members of Birmingham’s Service Guild. Today the ever-growing program is known as the Bell Center and cares for over 100 children per year. Over the years, many of Ms. Bell’s children have excelled in leadership as well as Special Olympics activities. While this distinguished caregiver has received state and national recognition, her greatest joys are the hugs, smiles, and laughter shared with her many children and their parents.