Compassion in Action

Salinas, CA - It is well known that clinical professionals enter the health care field to help people, and compassion is a common thread to the calling. At Salinas Valley Health, empathy is expressed through both individual acts of kindness and coordinated systems of care designed to support the whole person. That commitment was recently reflected in the organization’s STAR Award, presented to Jennifer Mase, RCP, a registered respiratory care practitioner, for her compassion and dedication to a patient in need.

Mase, who has been with Salinas Valley Health for seven years, was nominated by two colleagues following an encounter with an unhoused individual who came to the Medical Center for testing. After completing the patient’s clinical care, Mase personally escorted him out and noticed he appeared hungry. During their conversation, the patient shared that he had not eaten all day and was currently living in his car.

“After the test was complete, Jennifer noticed the patient looked hungry,” one nomination read. “She immediately took action, taking him to the campus Starbucks. She purchased lunch and dinner, and even provided a gift card to make sure he would have food later.”

Another colleague emphasized the compassion Mase showed in that moment, writing, “Not only did she provide him with something to eat, but she took the time to listen and be present. She was a source of comfort during a time of difficulty.”

Mase’s  personal act is a reflection of Salinas Valley Health’s commitment to ensuring patients facing challenges are connected with short and longer-term support. The organization’s Social Services team works alongside clinical staff to match patients with community resources and assistance that extend beyond their immediate medical visit, reinforcing a whole-person approach with appropriate referrals when housing, food insecurity, substance use disorder or other social support is needed.

Other STAR Award nominees for the period are: Jonathan Alvarez, System Technician, Information Technology; Angela Galope, Cardiopulmonary  Tech Assistant, Cardiac Sonography; Elaine Hernandez, Unit Assistant II, Telemetry Towers; Krystal Lopez, Aide, Environmental Services; Daisha Marsh, BS, RT, CT, Radiology Tech II, Diagnostic Imaging; Elisa Moreno, Aide, Environmental Services; and Nancy Ramirez, Float Clerk II, Patient Registration.

Each month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes an outstanding nurse with a DAISY Award (for nurses) and a STAR Award (for all staff). The DAISY Award is an international program that honors nurses for their extraordinary compassion, outstanding clinical skills, and personalized care, established by the DAISY Foundation. The STAR Award is a recognition program created by Salinas Valley Health incorporating the organization’s core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability, and Respect to highlight staff serving our patients, community, and each other with extraordinary results. Nominations are submitted by patients, visitors, and staff. To learn more about the awards, visit SalinasValleyHealth.com/nomination.

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Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843