Clinical Social Worker Receives STAR Award

Salinas, CA - An emotional and heartfelt celebration celebrated Clinical Social Worker Claudia Mendez as Salinas Valley Health’s latest STAR Award recipient. The gathering in the Intensive Care Unit highlighted the profound impact Mendez has made during her year and a half with the organization.

Surprised by the celebration, Mendez said, “Being rewarded for something I love doing is a bit overwhelming.”

The STAR Award recognizes non-nursing employees who reflect the organization’s core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect. ICU Nurse Laurel Black, MSN, RN, CCRN nominated Mendez on behalf of the entire ICU team for her unwavering daily patient and family support and especially complex cases requiring extra attention and follow up services.

“There are too many stories and situations to describe how Claudia’s amazing social worker skillset has helped our ICU team, physicians and families,” Black wrote. “Lately we have had several very difficult, complex cases and Claudia has been the anchor that has kept the multidisciplinary team together, helping the staff and physicians keep the families informed and the staff feel supported.”

Following the ceremony, colleagues from the ICU and Case Management shared hugs, congratulations and words of appreciation for Mendez and the compassionate care she provides every day.

“I love being here at Salinas Valley Health,” Mendez said. “I love being able to support our families and patients and also to help our staff deliver the amazing patient care they provide.”

Salinas Valley Health also recognizes the many outstanding employees nominated for the STAR Award this month, including Andrew Aldape, Transport/Prep Aide, Patient Care Resources; Lisa Anaya, MA, Clinical Social Worker, Case Management; Carly Burbach, Mammography Tech, Diagnostic Imaging; Priscilla Carrillo, Registration Float Clerk II, Patient Registration; Asha Gahlaut, Nurse Aide, Heart Center; Jessica Ganschow, Clinical Pharmacist, Emergency Department, Pharmacy; Janette Garcia, Staffing Assistant, Staffing Office; Beatriz Gardea, Nurse Aide, Patient Care Resources; Alexis Gonzales, Clinical Assistant, Emergency Department; Sophia Gonzales, Nurse Aide, Patient Care Resources; Cynthia Huerta, Nurse Aide, Heart Center; Araceli Mendoza Isidro, Aide, Nutrition Services; Sandra Jackson, Nurse Aide, Oncology; Patricia Lopez, Clerk, Laboratory; Estela Lopez Marquez, Aide, Environmental Services; David Martinez, Interpreter, Interpreter Services; Erika McClure, Programmer/Developer, Epic Acute; Jacqueline Medrano, Aide, Environmental Services; Jomar Onto, Nurse Aide, Oncology; Jose “Luis” Oviedo-Woo, Concierge/Guest Services Member Liaison, Volunteer & Guest Services; Delia Rodriguez, Nurse Aide, Patient Care Resources; Melanie Ruiz, BS, RDMS, Sonographer III, Diagnostic Imaging; Supaluk “Nat” Susavee, System Engineer, Information Technology; Norma Torres, Clinical Assistant, Emergency Department; Adam Turbyfill, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist – ED, Pharmacy; and Jessie Vega, Tech Assistant II, Diagnostic Imaging.

The STAR Award is part of Salinas Valley Health’s recognition program honoring employees who go above and beyond in service to patients, families and fellow staff members. Nursing staff are recognized through the internationally recognized DAISY Award program highlighting nursing excellence.

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Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843