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Alma Long, PCT, was recently recognized as the 2010 Wilson Memorial nominee for the Ohio Hospital Association’s (OHA) Albert E. Dykes Healthcare Worker of the Year Award. Nominations were submitted from over seventy-five hospitals around the state. All candidates were recognized at the Ohio Hospital Association’s Annual Recognition Dinner on June 15 in Columbus at the Hilton Hotel at Easton. The Albert E. Dykes Healthcare Worker of the Year Award, given annually by the OHA since 1996, is named for a retired associate who was highly regarded throughout and beyond Ohio’s healthcare community. The award recognizes an employee of an Ohio hospital or healthcare system that personifies a leader who gives back to the community, routinely goes beyond the call of duty, and has overcome odds to succeed. Alma is a leader by example. She is quick to offer help with a smile and positive response whenever there is a request from doctors, supervisors, team members or her patients. She has worked at Wilson for 23 years, but has 48 years of healthcare service. When asked if she plans to retire soon, Alma responded with, “I will be of service to patients as long as I am able. I don’t consider what I do as work,” she explained. “This is what I love and I feel blessed to be able to offer my service to others.” Several years ago a patient was so impressed by the care she received that she sent a Christmas card to Alma along with this message: “Dear Alma, I will always think of you as my guardian angel of all my caregivers. I do pray you and your family are well. Remember when we had no hospital many years ago and how blessed we all are now. I gave Wilson Memorial Hospital Foundation my property in my will. I thank God for you all. Bless your pea-pickin’ heart.” Alma has the sunny attitude and the energy of someone entering the workforce for the first time. When she enters a patient room, her cheery voice and humorous attitude helps patients along in the healing process. She listens to them intently and offers a caring heart with which they can instantly connect. “Alma is a true inspiration to us all,” said Tom Boecker, president and CEO. “I don’t think the hospital could have chosen a more deserving nominee for this prestigious award.”
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