Eileen McElligott works hard to ensure that no patient falls between the cracks.

Recently, she was instrumental in motivating a patient to obtain critical care that the patient likely would not have otherwise received. Eileen alerted the team to this patient's specific needs which allowed the team to wrap services around the patient and prepare them to receive a higher level of care. 

Eileen is a true advocate for her patients both within the organization and with outside providers. 

- Submitted by Eileen’s colleagues at Morrow County Health District, Heppner, OR

T.J. Adkinson goes the extra mile, such as making a special trip to the store to satisfy a dying patient's craving for Root Beer when it wasn't available in the kitchen, and it was the only thing that sounded good to this patient. T.J. willingly worked additional hours, without any complaints, when his coworker faced a critical illness.

 T.J. excels as a chef, putting in considerable effort to create fresh and enticing monthly menus. His culinary creations are adored by both patients and staff, with some elderly patients even choosing to have lunch at the hospital just to enjoy the restaurant-quality food he prepares.

 T.J. is one of the friendliest and most welcoming individuals you will ever meet. He knows and acknowledges every employee by name and always asks them how their day is going, as if they were lifelong friends.

This seems small, but in the post-COVID world after months in masks and not being about to see smiles or faces, this simple thing is exceptional! It inspires others to put their heads up and acknowledge others.

T.J. is always looking for a way to bring a smile to the employees and patients of Rio Grande Hospital. He introduced "Ice Cream Thursday," a weekly event featuring a different flavor of ice cream which is free to all. This has become highly anticipated by many. In a recent survey, "Ice Cream Thursday" received praise multiple times as one of the most appreciated initiatives undertaken by RGH this year.

T.J. often arrives at work early to prepare breakfast for meetings he isn't required to attend. This can include baking fresh croissants for all participants, ensuring they have a delicious start to their day.

T.J. candidly helps generate ideas on how to better serve our less heard members of the community. Several new community outreach projects have been generated with his help including work on a school-based health clinic and a wellness initiative designed to encourage preventive care.

- Submitted by Andres Torres & Heidi Helgeson at Rio Grande Hospital, Del Norte, CO

As a physical therapist, Molly Redden loves people and helping them meet their goals. She builds trust and relationships with her patients, students, and colleagues. Patients will contact her with concerns, successes, and their achievements long after discharge.

This year she and another colleague created and implemented a summer camp for students with mild to moderate impairments called PALS (Pushing All LimitS). This camp allows students to participate in activities at their level which during school would have to be adapted for them to keep up with their peers. The progress these students have made with improving their skills and strength to do physical activities has been amazing. The students are happy to be at camp, parents are excited to see the improvements and staff have found joy in watching camp sessions. She is a willing and enthusiastic mentor to students, a great clinical instructor and charismatic classroom teacher.

As a colleague, Molly is the one who often initiates ideas for gifts for weddings, babies, etc. She remembers special occasions like milestone work anniversaries and birthdays and will give a little gift or party.

 The time Molly invests in building relationships among patients, students and coworkers allows her to lead by her actions. She is the first one with a smile and her positivity can be felt throughout the room.

Molly goes above and beyond frequently by adjusting her schedule to treat patients before or after regular work hours, having treats ready for pediatric patients to help them get through difficult sessions, and assisting patients/families in finding needed equipment.

Molly has brought food to the nursing department on Thanksgiving to let them know she appreciated what they do, volunteered to be a guide runner for a visually impaired cross-country runner so they could participate in the sport, and purchased a pair of shoes for a patient who was not able to afford them. Molly's commitment to the medical center and her community shine in her volunteer work. Molly is a youth volleyball and basketball coach, athletic booster, and past board member of the WCS Athletic Boosters, Foundation and Shedevils Dance Team. She is always actively working on tasks/projects to make them successful and is an excellent ambassador for PMC.

- Submitted by Andrea Blecke at Providence Medical Center, Wayne, NE