Griffin Health honors caregivers, announces Employee of the Year

Judith Abaidoo

DERBY – Griffin Health recently honored more than 900 employees and physicians who reached service milestones of 5 years and more, and announced its 2026 Employee of the Year and Department of the Year at its 54th Annual Service Awards celebration at Aria in Prospect.

At a “Broadway Bash” themed celebration, Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel personally presented gifts of appreciation to longtime employees and announced Mammography and Breast Sonography Technologist Judith Abaidoo of West Haven as the 2026 Employee of the Year and the Griffin Hospital Central Processing Department as the 2026 Department of the Year.

Abaidoo named Top Caregiver
A caregiver at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital since 2023, Abaidoo regularly receives thankful comments from patients that describe her as professional, kind, calm, and reassuring.
“Guided by the belief in serving something larger than herself, Judith’s impact is seen in the experience she creates for every patient,” Charmel said. 

“Even in situations where patients arrive anxious or uncomfortable, Judith creates a sense of trust. Her colleagues recognize her steady presence under pressure and view her as a role model who leads by example.”
Griffin’s Employee of the Year selection come from its monthly I Take It Personally (ITIP) Award program where employees are nominated by their colleagues. Each month, up to four Griffin Health caregivers are selected for their efforts to improve patient satisfaction and promote Griffin’s commitment to person-centered care. Of these ITIP winners, four are selected as finalists for the honor of Employee of the Year.

Central Processing Department Named Department of the Year
The Griffin Hospital Central Processing Department was honored with Department of the Year for disciplined execution, consistent process control, and an unwavering focus on clinical safety.
Central Processing achieved a high level of performance this year, showing meticulous attention to detail during several HVAC infrastructure upgrades in which there was not a single surgical case delay. 

The department also improved instrument processing and the availability and readiness of surgical instruments through staff education, workplace safety, and innovative technologies that have elevated both employee performance and service quality.
“The team’s responsiveness to clinical needs, including the development of specialized emergency instrument trays and additional safety testing protocols, reflect their spirit of collaboration and accountability,” Charmel said. “Their consistency, coordination, and control flawlessly support exceptional surgical patient care every day.”
The Department of the Year is selected from the four hospital departments selected as “Department of the Quarter” by the ITIP program.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Health in Derby honors 2025 Employee of the Year at awards dinner

Chris Collins

DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored more than 800 employees and physicians who reached service milestones of 5 years and more, and announced the 2025 Employee of the Year and Department of the Year award winner at its 53rd Annual Service Awards Dinner at Aria in Prospect.

At an “outta sight” 1970s disco-themed celebration, Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel personally presented gifts of appreciation to longtime employees and announced Griffin Hospital Security Officer Chris Collins, of Stratford, as the 2025 Employee of the Year and the Griffin Hospital Emergency Department as the 2025 Department of the Year.

Collins Named Top Caregiver

A caregiver for nine years at Griffin Hospital, Collins has been a trusted leader in the Griffin Hospital Security Department, displaying an exceptional ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and manage conflict calmly, compassionately and professionally.

“Chris’s professionalism and genuine care for others are evident in all he does,” Charmel said of Collins at the celebration. 

“One notable example of his caring approach was his support techniques used for a hearing-impaired behavioral health patient. Chris spent a considerable amount of time patiently connecting with the patient, using his knowledge of basic sign language that he learned as a former camp counselor to ease the patient’s anxiety and build trust. His thoughtful approach helped the patient laugh, feel reassured, and discover music and games on a computer tablet, leaving a lasting positive impact.”

Griffin’s Employee of the Year selection comes from its monthly I Take It Personally Award program where employees are nominated by their colleagues. 

Each month, up to four Griffin Health caregivers are selected for their efforts to improve patient satisfaction and promote Griffin’s commitment to patient-centered care. Of these ITIP winners, four are selected as finalists for the honor of Employee of the Year.

Emergency Department Named Department of the Year

The Griffin Hospital Emergency Department was honored with Department of the Year for cultivating an environment where both patients and caregivers feel valued, listened to, and cared for.

In a high-pressure environment where the Griffin ED sees more than 35,000 patients a year and every second matters, the ED reduced median wait times for all patients, time from the admission decision to inpatient departure, time to get patients into a room, time to see and its rate of patients leaving without being seen.

“These achievements underscore the Emergency Department’s dedication to delivering efficient and compassionate care to every individual they serve,” Charmel said. “The heart of the ED is its frontline team. They’ve supported expectant mothers with baby essentials, comforted children with toys, provided clothing to those in need, and celebrated birthdays for long-term patients, making them feel a sense of belonging.”

The Department of the Year is selected from the four hospital departments selected as “Department of the Quarter” by the ITIP program.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Annual Griffin Health Gala slated Oct. 25 at Aria in Prospect

Celebrate the swagger and style of the sensational crooners of the 1950s at The 2024 Griffin Health Gala Oct. 25 at Aria in Prospect.

Starring the one-and-only Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, this brash bash promises style that’s sharp, music that’s hot and an atmosphere “That’s Amore!” 

Valentinetti is the unforgettable Golden Buzzer sensation and finalist on America’s Got Talent. An Italian-American crooner with a voice that melts hearts and resurrects the swagger of Sinatra, Martin, and Bennett, Valentinetti has got the pipes, the born-and-bred New York personality, and the pizzazz to make sure “Everybody Loves Somebody.”

Black tie dress is suggested. Individual tickets are $225 and a table of 10 is $2,250. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds will support Griffin Health’s mission to provide critical connections between patients and social services, coordinate outpatient care with compassionate outreach and expert navigation, and empower individuals with disease management education and support.

Tickets can be purchased at griffinhealth.org/gala. 

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7384 or Lnista@griffinhealth.org.

This is shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page.

Ansonia Chargers' state championship football banquet slated at Aria in Prospect

 

Griffin Health to honor Russ Foundation at annual Gala in Prospect

DERBY - Griffin Health will honor the Friend A. Russ Foundation for a century of support with its President’s Award at the 2019 Griffin Gala.

Since the early 1900s, the Friend A. Russ Fund has been an important benefactor of Griffin Health, starting with the construction of a home for nurses before 1920.  

Over the years, the Fund has helped to support expansion projects and purchase new technology to enhance the care Griffin provides to the community.   

The award will be presented to members of the Russ Fund Board at the Griffin Gala at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Aria in Prospect.

Russ was an industrial leader for the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., he came to Derby at the turn of the 20th century to settle the estate of a relative and became interested in the Robert N. Bassett Co. Russ joined the company as a laborer and quickly moved up the ranks to become its president. 

Under his leadership, the company became the largest manufacturer of steel and wire goods in the country. 
A longtime philanthropist, Russ contributed to many community organizations, including paying the mortgage for the Derby Lodge of Elks in 1915.  
Soon after the Russ Fund was established with a gift of $200,000 to serve the needs of the community.

Evening with the Stars

The 2019 Griffin Health Gala will be a star-studded event as top celebrity impersonators from Las Vegas bring glitz and glam to Aria.

Master impersonators, The Edwards Twins, will present An Evening with the Stars, a rollicking live performance of musical hits from legendary musical superstars. 

The Edwards Twins have performed all over the world and received rave reviews from national media, including NBC Today show, USA Today and The Boston Globe.

Tickets start at $195 per person. Black tie is suggested. 
Proceeds from the Gala will help develop and sustain essential programs and services that address the wide-ranging health care needs of the communities Griffin serves ensuring access to innovative, high-quality care in a healing, person-centered environment.

Tickets can be purchased at griffinhealth.org/gala. 

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7335 or at gala@griffinhealth.org.

Griffin Health to present star-studded gala at Aria in Prospect

DERBY - The 2019 Griffin Health Gala Oct. 11 will be a star-studded event as top celebrity impersonators from Las Vegas bring glitz and glam to Aria in Prospect.

The event will run from 6:30-11:30 p.m.

Master Impersonators, The Edwards Twins, will present An Evening with the Stars, a rollicking live performance of musical hits from legendary musical superstars. 

The Edwards Twins have performed all over the world and received rave reviews from national media, including the NBC Today show, USA Today and The Boston Globe.

Guests will also be treated to exquisite dining to match Aria’s delightfully manicured and sculpted gardens, and breathtaking scenic views of autumn in Connecticut.

The evening closes out with dancing to the invigorating and eclectic sounds of La Blanc Entertainment. 

There will also be a silent auction for guests to bid on exciting items, fabulous experiences, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia.

Tickets start at $195 per person. Black tie is suggested.

Proceeds from the Gala will help develop and sustain essential programs and services that address the wide-ranging health care needs of the communities Griffin serves ensuring access to innovative, high-quality care in a healing, person-centered environment.

The Friend A. Russ Fund will be honored with the 2019 Presidents Award at the Gala.

Tickets can be purchased at griffinhealth.org/gala. 

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7355, or gala@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.