Canton resident Ronald L. Walker II, managing partner and president of Next Street, has been named a 2012 Hero in Health Care by The Visiting Nurse Association of Boston. Walker will be one of the three leaders in the community to be honored at the VNAS Seventh Gala, Friday, Oct. 12, at Mandarin Oriental.

"Ronald Walker has brought resources and investment to Boston, including the neighborhoods the VNAB services too," said Reynold S. Spadozi, president and CEO of VNAB. "Because of Ron's commitment to growth and success of the urban communities, he has ensured improvement in the overall health and well-being of our neighborhoods."