Showing posts with label recognition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recognition. Show all posts

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Griffin Hospital honors certified surgical technician with BEE Award

DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored Certified Surgical Technician Lauren Atkinson of Branford with the Being Extraordinary Everyday (BEE) Award for nursing support caregivers.


The BEE Award at Griffin Health honors nursing support caregivers who are committed to providing an exceptional care experience for patients and their loved ones, and fellow caregivers. 

Just as the bee helps strengthen flowers, nurses provide high-quality, person-centered patient care with the outstanding assistance of a support team.

A caregiver at Griffin for three years, Atkinson was nominated by several fellow caregivers in Griffin’s Surgical Services department for her knowledge, skill and responsiveness in providing assistance wherever needed.

“Lauren is the definition of a team player,” the nomination for Atkinson stated. “She can scrub any case with ease and is always in demand by every surgeon who has had the privilege to work with her. Her calm demeanor and outstanding attitude makes our job so much easier.”


Griffin Health caregivers eligible for the BEE award are all non-nursing team members from the Griffin Health Patient Care Division, including Unit Clerks, Telemetry Technicians, Multi-Skilled Technicians, Obstetrics Technicians, Certified Surgical Technicians, Gastrointestinal Technicians, Central Processing Department Technicians, Certified Nursing Assistants, Mental Health Workers, Patient Safety Monitors, Continuous Video Monitoring Technicians, Environmental/Housekeeping Team Members, Patient Transporters, Dining Services Representatives, Valet Attendants and Shuttle Drivers.

Patients, visitors, and Griffin Health caregivers can nominate deserving members of the nursing support team by filling out a nomination form available at Griffin Hospital.


This is a press release from Griffin Health.


 

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Griffin Health presents multi-skilled technician with staff excellence award


DERBY - Griffin Health recently hosted its annual Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration to recognize its more than 300 caregivers who make vital contributions as coordinators between patients and nurses and doctors, including its 2026 Caregiver Excellence Award winner, Multi-Skilled Technician Rachel Layseca.

The Caregiver Excellence Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health employee whom others believe demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, the highest level of standards and excellent patient care, and consistently exhibits caring, commitment, and compassion towards patients and coworkers.

A four-year Griffin caregiver in the hospital’s Emergency Department, Rachel was selected for the award for being a leader who sets a high standard for herself and inspires those around her.

“Rachel is the kind of teammate every nurse hopes to work with,” the nomination for Rachel states. “When Rachel is assigned as your technician, you know you will have an outstanding partner who anticipates patient needs, communicates effectively, and works seamlessly with the entire health care team. She consistently demonstrates initiative, reliability, and a positive attitude, even in the fast-paced and unpredictable environment of the Emergency Department.”


Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Griffin Health congratulates Heart of Caring Award winner


Griffin Health recently hosted its annual Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration to recognize its more than 300 caregivers who make vital contributions as coordinators between patients and nurses and doctors, including its 2026 Heart of Caring Award winner, Multi-Skilled Technician Moraima “Mo” Medina.
The Caring Heart Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health nursing support staff member whom others believe to be truly committed, compassionate, kind and exemplifies the Planetree person-centered care philosophy.
A recently hired caregiver in the Griffin Hospital inpatient units, Moraima was selected for the award for her consistent person-centered care and compassion for patients.
“It is not unusual for Mo to go to the gift shop to buy little gifts for her patients such as lip balm for dry lips or balloons for a birthday,” the nomination for Moraima stated. “Mo is known to go visit her patients when they are transferred to other units. Specifically, there was a patient transferred for hospice care. Mo made a point to go visit with the patient and the family.”

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Derby Police congratulate Chief Scott Todd on his retirement after 38 years

Chief Scott Todd

The Derby Police Department recognizes and celebrates the retirement of Chief Scott Todd after 38 years of dedicated service to our community.

Throughout his career, Chief Todd has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety, professionalism, and the men and women of the Derby Police Department. His leadership, integrity, and dedication have left a lasting impact on our department and the City of Derby.

On behalf of the entire Derby Police Department, we extend our sincere gratitude for your decades of service and commitment to protecting our community. Thank you for leading this department with pride and dedication.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Scott Todd on his well-earned retirement. We wish him good health, happiness, and the very best moving forward.

Congratulations, Chief Todd, and thank you for your service! 

Shared from the Derby PD Facebook page.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Ansonia Police recognize teamwork of officer, K9 in narcotics seizure



K9 Rip

ANSONIA  - Officer Fowler and his K9 partner, Rip, conducted a motor vehicle stop Sunday that led to a significant narcotics seizure, police said today in a written release. 

During the course of their investigation, Officer Fowler and K9 Rip located approximately 52.6 grams of cocaine packaged for sale, along with $2,800 in cash consisting of $100 and $50 bills. 

This successful interdiction is a direct result of the dedication, training, and teamwork demonstrated by Officer Fowler and K9 Rip. Their efforts continue to help keep illegal drugs out of our community and make Ansonia a safer place for everyone. 
Please join us in recognizing Officer Fowler and K9 Rip for a job well done!


Saturday, June 13, 2026

Griffin Health in Derby announces 2026 Healthcare Hero awardee


DERBY -  Griffin Health is proud to announce that Laboratory Support Services Manager Carol Borger of Hamden has been honored with the 2026 Connecticut Hospital Association Healthcare Heroes Award. 

The 2026 CHA Healthcare Heroes Award celebrates and recognizes the invaluable contributions of exceptional healthcare workers, both to their field and to the community at large.  


This year, CHA presented the award to a cohort of heroes from hospitals across the state.

Borger has been a dedicated Griffin Health caregiver for more than 25 years. In 2020, she coordinated COVID-19 test specimen collections for skilled nursing facilities across Connecticut. The program quickly expanded from 10 facilities to more than 100 skilled nursing homes statewide. 


Borger showed exceptional leadership and meticulous attention to detail in the management of more than 25,000 specimens each week during the period when patient and staff COVID-19 testing was required. Her essential work spearheaded an effort to protect one of the most vulnerable populations, identify infections quickly, limit the spread of COVID-19, and safeguarding both residents and frontline caregivers.


As statewide COVID-19 testing programs concluded, a critical gap remained in providing consistent, on-site medical testing for skilled nursing facility residents, many of whom depend on essential diagnostic to manage chronic conditions and prevent complications. Borger’s team stepped in to strengthen and expand access to these vital clinical services. What began as a necessary extension of care evolved into a sustained essential service. From 2023 to today, the program has grown into a robust service supporting more than 80 skilled nursing facilities and their patients throughout Connecticut, helping ensure a highly vulnerable senior population continues to receive high quality and timely medical testing.


Since 2002, CHA has included a celebration of healthcare heroes as part of its Annual Meeting.  This year’s meeting, which took place on June 11, included the recognition of healthcare heroes who represent all types of care from every corner of Connecticut.  

Heroes received a certificate from CHA and a proclamation from the Office of Governor Ned Lamont recognizing their outstanding leadership.


Read more about each of the 2026 CHA Healthcare Heroes at https://cthosp.org/2026-cha-healthcare-heroes.



This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Griffin Hospital in Derby honors nurse with DAISY Award

Tammy Borkowski

DERBY – Griffin Health recently honored Tammy Borkowski, BSN, RN, CMSRN of Oxford with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.


The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day. 

Winners can be nominated by patients, patients’ family or friends, or fellow caregivers for their exemplary care.

Borkowski, a nurse for Griffin Hospital’s Critical Care Unit, was nominated by a fellow caregiver for her skill in advocating for and connecting with her patients.

“Tammy shows exceptional compassion and dedication for her patients, their loved ones and her team,” the nomination for Borkowski stated. “She is always stepping up and leading by example to ensure her patients are safe and well taken care of clinically - whether or not she’s in change that shift - and sometimes making her own assignments more difficult in order to help out others.” 

Information about the DAISY Award is included in Griffin Health patient information packets and nomination forms are available online and at all Griffin Health locations. 

The award recipients are chosen by a committee at Griffin and the award is presented throughout the year. 

For more information, visit griffinhealth.org/daisy.


About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. 

Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. 

DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. 

The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.



Thursday, May 21, 2026

Griffin Health in Derby honors nurse with DAISY Award for extraordinary care


DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored Milly Delaney, BSN, RN, of Milford with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day. 

Winners can be nominated by patients, patients’ family or friends, or fellow caregivers for their exemplary care.


Delaney, a nurse for Griffin Hospital’s inpatient units, was nominated by a patient’s caregiver for her compassion and dedication to caring for her patients and their family.

“Milly immediately exhibited compassion and empathy for our mom and cared for her as if she were part of her family," the nomination for Delaney stated. “It is an honor and privilege to have met Milly as a nurse and person. She brought dignity, respect, and care to my mom. She brought us comfort, empathy, and concern.”


Information about the DAISY Award is included in Griffin Health patient information packets and nomination forms are available online and at all Griffin Health locations. 

The award recipients are chosen by a committee at Griffin and the award is presented throughout the year. 

For more information, visit griffinhealth.org/daisy.


About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. 

The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.


This is a press release from Griffin Health.


Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Griffin Hospital nurses recognize pulmonologist as Physician of the Year

Pulmonologist Dr. Roman Spivak, center, received the Physician of the Year Award from Griffin Health Clinical Nurse Educator Ashley D'Agostino-Putetti, MSN, RN, WCC, and Critical Care Unit Clinical Manager Edward Valente, RN, BSN, CCRN, at Griffin Health’s 38th Annual Nurses Week Celebration./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Faculty Physicians Pulmonologist Roman Spivak, MD, of Shelton, was recently honored as Physician of the Year at Griffin Health’s 38th Annual Nurses Week Celebration.


The Physician of the Year Award is based on voting by the hospital’s nursing staff. In nominating Dr. Spivak, nurses said he consistently exemplifies Griffin’s core values, mission, and vision in his everyday practice caring for both outpatients at his pulmonology office and while treating the critically ill patients admitted to the Griffin Hospital Critical Care Unit.

“Dr. Spivak’s approachable and kind demeanor creates an environment of trust between patients, their families, and the healthcare team,” said Critical Care Unit Clinical Manager Edward Valente, RN, BSN, CCRN. “He takes the time to explain the treatments, options and prognosis - sometimes even drawing pictures and diagrams to ensure everyone has complete understanding of the care the patient will be receiving. His calm and composed demeanor, even in high stress situations, consistently brings reassurance to everyone around him.”


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.



Monday, May 11, 2026

Salvation Army Greater Valley in Ansonia celebrates National Week May 11-17




Since 1954, National Salvation Army Week has served as a reminder of the important role The Salvation Army plays in communities across the country.
This week, we recognize the dedicated officers, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who make this mission possible — helping meet human needs without discrimination and bringing hope to neighbors in every season.

Shared from The Salvation Army - Ansonia Facebook page.

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Ansonia Police officers recognized for dedication to child advocacy






Protecting children is more than a responsibility, it’s a commitment our officers carry with them every single day.
The Ansonia Police Department is honored to announce that both the department and several of its members were recently recognized through Pinwheels for Prevention by the South Central Child Advocacy Center for their dedication, investigative expertise, and continued efforts to keep children safe.
The Ansonia Police Department proudly received two awards recognizing the department’s overall commitment to going above and beyond in protecting children, supporting victims, and pursuing these sensitive investigations with professionalism, compassion, and care.
In addition, we are proud to recognize Detective Esposito, Detective Mendenhall, Detective Clifford, Officer Ribeiro, and Officer Troesser (not pictured) for also receiving awards for their outstanding efforts, investigative skills, and unwavering dedication to this important work.
Cases involving children require patience, empathy, attention to detail, and relentless commitment — qualities that these officers and detectives demonstrate every day. Their work reflects the department’s mission to serve and protect our community’s most vulnerable with integrity and compassion.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding members of our department, as well as the department as a whole, for these well-deserved recognitions and for the meaningful impact they continue to make in our community.

Shared from the APD Facebook page.

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Ansonia to honor 3 at Women's History Month event; congratulations!




"Ansonia will proudly celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring three extraordinary women whose leadership, service, and dedication have strengthened our community: Elizabeth Lynch, Diane Stroman, and Beverly Tidmarsh.

"Their commitment to community leadership, humanitarian advocacy, and educational empowerment continues to inspire generations.

"All are welcome to attend this special recognition. Thank you, ladies, for the impact you’ve made—and continue to make—right here in Ansonia."


Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Ansonia Police recognize School Resource Officer Michael Barry


Officer Michael Barry

Today is School Resource Officer Appreciation Day and we would like to recognize Officer Michael Barry, the best SRO there is, for his dedication and commitment to the students of Ansonia.


Shared from the Ansonia PD Facebook page.


Thursday, December 11, 2025

Griffin Health caregiver honored with inaugural Guiding Light Award

Christine Halkiopoulos

DERBY - Christine Halkiopoulos of Shelton, a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer at Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, was recently honored with the National Consortium of Breast Centers inaugural Guiding Light Award.

Awarded on Dec. 9, National Oncology Navigator’s Day, the NCBC Guiding Light Award is a tribute to those who illuminate the path for patients, breaking down barriers to care and ensuring no one navigates their journey alone.


“Navigators make the cancer journey less overwhelming and more hopeful—this is 

about celebrating their extraordinary impact,” said NCBC Executive Director Kimberly Samuels.

A caregiver at Griffin for three years, Halkiopoulos was nominated by both a colleague and her supervisor to spotlight the exceptional empathy and support she gives to all of her patients.

“Christine is known for her warmth, empathy, and ability to turn even the most anxious biopsy day into one filled with ease, connection, and laughter,” said Griffin Health Diagnostic Imaging Site Manager Ashley Schneider. “Her rare clinical expertise, paired with her gift for making people feel seen and safe, makes her a standout in every sense."


Oncology navigators are essential in the cancer care continuum. Whether bridging gaps in care, connecting patients to critical resources, or providing emotional and psychosocial support, their role is vital to improving outcomes and ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. Navigators play an important role in improving access to timely, quality care, reducing healthcare disparities, promoting patient-centered outcomes, and in elevating the standard of cancer support services.


About The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital

The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital opened in 2011, combining state-of-the-art technology, a team of highly trained physicians and staff, and a Planetree healing environment to offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.  The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness features two state-of-the-art digital mammography suites with 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) capability, a breast ultrasound suite, and advanced stereotactic biopsy.  

The Center also utilizes a rapid diagnostic model where patients are often given test results the same day imaging tests are performed, and if indicated, follow up testing (ultrasound, breast biopsy) and even consultation with a breast surgeon are often available the same day if the patient’s schedule permits. 

For more information, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


Friday, November 14, 2025

Griffin Hospital in Derby earns recognition in patient safety


DERBY - 
Griffin Hospital was awarded an ‘A’ in the Fall 2025 Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, recognizing its achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care.

“Earning an ‘A’ Grade means Griffin Hospital made a true commitment to put patient safety first,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We congratulate the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff and volunteers that all had a role to play in this achievement.”


The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

“Achieving an ‘A’ Leapfrog Safety Grade was enabled by the commitment of all Griffin caregivers to the delivery of exceptional person-centered care,” said Griffin Health President and CEO Patrick Charmel. “High-quality health care starts with keeping patients safe, and we understand that it takes a team effort to achieve the high safety standards we set for ourselves. Every Griffin employee and medical staff member is considered a caregiver and that means we work together to prevent harm to our patients and provide them with the best care experience possible.”

We also understand that high-quality care and safety is enhanced when patients, families, and our caregivers are engaged in the entire care planning and delivery experience. 

This appreciation and value for everyone’s unique preferences is supported by Griffin’s ongoing work in establishing a truly person-centered care environment. Our steadfast focus for more than two decades has been guided in close partnership with Planetree International, the global leader in person-centered care (PCC) transformation, and their best-practice PCC Framework which is rooted in research, evidence, and the authentic experiences of all those that give and receive care.”


This partnership has strengthened the teamwork and culture required to make achievements like a Leapfrog ‘A’ Safety Grade possible and sustainable, Charmel explained. Many of the evidence-based measures of patient safety in the Leapfrog Safety Grade align with the standards for Planetree PCC Gold Certification Program®.

The Safety Grade’s focus on health equity, caring communications, which include open discussion of adverse events and family participation in care improvement, and staff engagement and teamwork in preventing errors, are all considered essential elements of person-centered care. Similarly, the criteria required for Planetree PCC Gold Certification, including educating caregivers about diversity and assessing community health disparities, prioritizing partnerships with patients’ social support structures, and encouraging participation and ownership by all caregivers in the delivery and continuous improvement of patient care, serve as a driving force behind Griffin Hospital being the nation’s longest continuously Planetree PCC certified hospital, and reflect its dedication to delivering truly exceptionally safe and effective health care.


To explore Griffin’s full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit www.HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

To explore Planetree’s PCC Framework and Certification Program, visit www.planetree.org 


About The Leapfrog Group

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. 

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. 

Griffin’s ongoing work grounded in the Planetree Person-Centered Care philosophy has strengthened the teamwork, transparency, and shared accountability that drive safety and quality. This commitment to engaging patients and caregivers as partners in improvement helps make achievements like a Leapfrog ‘A’ Safety Grade possible.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


Thursday, October 23, 2025

Safe Kids Worldwide honors Griffin Health for child safety leadership



Safe Kids Worldwide President Torine Creppy, center, presents Griffin Health Community Outreach Special Programs Supervisor Cathi Kellett and Griffin Health Executive Vice President and COO Todd Liu with the Safe Kids Champion for Children Award.


DERBY – Griffin Hospital was recently honored with the Safe Kids Champion for Children Award at the Safe Kids Worldwide International Childhood Injury Prevention Convention (PrevCon) for its outstanding contributions toward preventing childhood injuries.

“Griffin Health is honored to be recognized by Safe Kids Worldwide, which has been an international leader advancing the health and wellbeing of children through its advocacy and programmatic support,” said Griffin Health Executive Vice President and COO Todd Liu. “We are gratified by this award and the acknowledgement of the work being done by Griffin’s many caregivers to fulfill our commitment to provide education and services that advance the safety of all individuals in our community.”

The Safe Kids Champion for Children Award recognizes an individual, business, government agency, or organization that has made a significant impact in the field of child injury prevention.

The award was presented at the three-day gathering that convened more than 600 child health and safety professionals from around the world, including academic researchers, community activists, health care providers, manufacturers, public health and injury prevention practitioners, and policy makers.

More than 20 individuals and organizations were honored for their leadership in the field.

“Griffin Hospital exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner, combining data, strategy, and compassion to make families safer,” said Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide. “We are honored to work with Griffin’s amazing team to advance our shared goal of reducing the risk of preventable injuries to kids.”


Located in Connecticut’s Greater Naugatuck Valley, Griffin Hospital implements evidence-based initiatives such as their Walking School Bus and safe sleep education programs to meet families where they are. Their ongoing commitment to innovation and outreach is improving health outcomes in the community.

“We're humbled to receive this recognition from the nation's largest injury prevention organization," said Cathi Kellett, Griffin Health Community Outreach Special Programs supervisor and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley coalition coordinator. "As part of Griffin's person-centered care, we truly believe that empowering both children and adults with knowledge and tools in a learning-through-play approach helps keeps kids healthy and safe. Our commitment to our community is at the core of everything we do and we are so grateful that our community is so receptive and supportive.

PrevCon is one of the largest gatherings of individuals and organizations dedicated to childhood injury prevention. Preventable injuries are the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Throughout the world, almost one million children die of an injury each year, and almost every one of these tragedies is preventable.


About Safe Kids Worldwide

Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to reduce unintentional injuries to children ages 0-14 and build equitable and sustained systems that support injury prevention. Since 1988, Safe Kids and its partners have contributed to a more than 60 percent reduction in the rate of fatal childhood unintentional injury in the U.S. Learn more at safekids.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Health.