Picture Perfect STAR Award Recipient at Salinas Valley Health

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
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The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” came into play for the most recent recipient of the STAR Award at Salinas Valley Health. The staff member who received the monthly award used images of the sun and moon on a prescription order to help an illiterate patient understand the medication schedule. It is just one example of the extra effort Jasmine Ho, a transitional care pharmacy coordinator takes to provide exceptional care to patients.

Jasmine first joined Salinas Valley Health more than three years ago in February 2020 as a clinical pharmacist. Her colleagues cited many examples of Jasmine going above and beyond to support patients and her fellow co-workers suggesting Jasmine could be a poster child for the organization’s STAR values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect.

The entire Transitional Care Team nominated Jasmine with manager Michelle Orta, MSN, RN, PHN, CCM recalling the time a patient was having difficulty adhering to the schedule for taking his medication. Michelle wrote, “Jasmine created a grid with pictures of the sun and moon and glued the pictures of the boxes of medications so he could take them properly.”

“Jasmine has been invaluable to the Transitional Care Team and Salinas Valley Health,” says Melissa Dausen, BSN, RN, RN, CCM, Director Continuum of Care. “She arrives to work every day with an infectious smile and laugh. Jasmine provides support to our patients by assisting in cases where medications are difficult to obtain. She reaches out to the pharmacies, insurance companies and physicians to ensure patients have the medications they need, breaks down barriers and finds solutions.”

The surprise ceremony for Jasmine had her shedding tears of joy, saying “I don’t even cry at weddings! I really share this award with the entire team. All the attention is a little overwhelming – in a good way.”

Two other individuals were nominated for the April STAR Award. Karla Jones, a surgical technician and Ana Torres-Garcia, an environmental services aide.

Every month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes two extraordinary employees, one with a DAISY Award (for nurses) and another with a STAR Award (for all staff). Nominations can be submitted by patients, visitors and staff. Nomination forms and drop boxes are located throughout the medical center and online. To learn more about the awards visit Nurse Recognition | Salinas Valley Health or STAR Award | Monterey County Health System (salinasvalleyhealth.com).