Transport Aide Honored with STAR Award

Salinas Valley Health recognized transport aide Gabriel Munoz, CNA, with a STAR Award for his thoughtful and compassionate actions during a heartbreaking situation in the emergency department. The STAR Award exemplifies the organization’s STAR values- Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect. The nomination was submitted by interpreter Sandra Ruelas.

“We were involved in a very sad case here in the emergency department, where we had to have Gabriel come pick up a child that had passed away”, shared Sandra Ruelas. “Gabriel walked in the room, gave his condolences to the grieving parents in Spanish and asked their permission to touch the infant. He then proceeded to wrap the baby in a blanket so he could transfer him to the morgue. Gabriel demonstrated what a star employee he truly is.”

“Gabriel is an important member of the hospital transport team”, expressed Marian Fox, RN, BScN, CNML, Clinical Manager, Patient Care Resources. “He is a kind-hearted individual who shows genuine empathy toward others. His calm demeanor, warm smile and excellent work ethic exemplify his commitment to both our patients and his colleagues.”

Gabriel joined Salinas Valley Health twenty years ago. This is his second nomination and first STAR Award. Other employees nominated for a STAR Award include: Joel Braddock, IT Project Manager, Epic System; Jorge Ceja, Record Retention Specialist, Health Information Management; Gypsy Douglas, Nurse Aide, Patient Care Resources; Marissa Garza, Cardiopulmonary Services Assistant, Cardiac Diagnostic Outpatient Clinic; Karla Ventura Gonzalez, Concierge/Guest Services, Member Liaison, Volunteer Services; Wendy Haynes, Diet Clerk II, Nutrition Services; Joanna Konczal. RPSGT, CCSH, Polysomnographic Technologist, Cardiac Diagnostic Outpatient Clinic; Clarissa Madrigal, Concierge/Guest Services Member Liaison, Volunteer Services; Diana Contreras Mendoza, Nurse Aide, Heart Center; Landen Mucha, RCS, RVT, Cardiovascular Sonographer, Echocardiography; Ruben Pulido, Transport/Prep Aide, Transport; Attaullah Ziarmal, Cardiac Sonographer I, Cardiology.

The STAR Award recognizes employees who demonstrate the organization’s core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect. Alongside the internationally recognized DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses, the program is part of Salinas Valley Health’s commitment to honoring staff who strengthen the patient experience and advance a culture of excellence across the organization.

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843