Newsworthy

As a non-profit health system driven to improve our communities’ health, Stormont Vail Health provides care to all patients who come through our doors, regardless of their ability to afford services. This right is intrinsic to our mission and culture, where “together, we treat every patient, visitor, and team member with compassion and dignity.”

Melanie Griffin, Case Management and Post-Acute Care Manager at the Flint Hills Campus, recently demonstrated her commitment to these values and her profession by advocating for an unhoused patient admitted to the hospital with a severe illness.

A patient passing through Junction City became very sick and required care at the Flint Hills Campus. This patient, an unhoused individual traveling from California to New Jersey, didn’t have the resources for a bus ticket to reach his destination.

Melanie helped him get on his way by transferring his money to a VISA gift card to buy a bus ticket. She then went to our local pharmacy to pick up his medications, knowing he didn’t have transportation. Afterward, she personally made sure the patient made it to his bus stop on time.

These actions aren’t out of character for Melanie. She does so many things for the people who live or pass through our community and rarely gets the recognition she deserves. This time, Melanie truly went above and beyond for patient safety and human kindness.

Melanie’s actions exemplify what we can accomplish by living our mission and values. Her dedication, demonstrated through her advocacy, is truly inspiring. For this reason, we proudly recognize Melanie as our August Person of the Moment!

Melanie, we appreciate your unwavering commitment to providing the attention, care, and support those in need deserve. Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition!

About the Person of the Moment Award

The Person of the Moment Award celebrates the unsung heroes across Stormont Vail and encourages us all to continue making a difference in our everyday work. To qualify, the nominee must perform a specific act, no matter how small, demonstrating behavior that aligns with our five tenets and creates a meaningful connection with a patient, visitor, or team member.

This award is open to all Stormont Vail Health team members, excluding directors and members of the Operating Committee. When the Operating Committee selects a Person of the Moment each month, it notifies the individual’s department and organizes a small recognition ceremony. Additionally, the year’s awardees receive recognition during the annual awards banquet.