Griffin Hospital in Derby recognizes health care heroism of nurse

DERBY - Griffin Health Nurse Michael Fusaro, LPN, of Fairfield, was recently recognized for his heroic actions to save a life with the 2025 Connecticut Healthcare Association’s Healthcare Heroes Award.

The Award celebrates and recognizes the invaluable contributions of exceptional health care workers, both to their field and to the community at large.  

After finishing an overnight shift at Griffin Hospital, Fusaro was headed home when he saw a car crash near the hospital entrance. 

Without hesitation, he ran toward the wreck. Seeing that the driver was unresponsive, he pulled the man from the car, checked for a pulse, and immediately began CPR in the hospital driveway. 

As the Griffin Hospital Emergency Department team rushed a gurney to the scene, Fusaro never stopped performing CPR, climbing onto the gurney and continuing chest compressions while the patient was being moved through the parking lot, the hospital lobby, and into the ED.

The team fought to stabilize the patient’s failing heart. When several interventions didn’t restore the patient’s heartbeat, they made one final effort - administering medication to dissolve clots blocking blood flow. Moments later, the patient’s heart began to beat again.

“Mike’s actions, driven by compassion and instinct, were not part of his shift that day - they are part of who he is,” the nomination for Fusaro stated. “Mike’s commitment to putting patients first doesn’t end when he’s off the clock, or even when help arrives on the scene.

“Thanks to Mike, and the dedicated caregivers who continued his heroic work in the ED, a family was able to share the holidays. As the patient’s wife said, ‘Because of Griffin, we were able to celebrate Christmas together as a family. You saved my soulmate.’”

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

President of Griffin Hospital in Derby named CT 2018 Grassroots Champion

Griffin Hospital and Griffin Health Services President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Charmel, right, receives the Connecticut 2018 Grassroots Champion award Thursday from Connecticut House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and state Sen. George S. Logan./ Contributed photo

The American Hospital Association and Connecticut Hospital Association Thursday recognized Patrick A. Charmel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Griffin Hospital and Griffin Health Services Corporation, as Connecticut’s 2018 Grassroots Champion at its 100th Annual Meeting at Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

The AHA Grassroots Champion Award, given annually to one person in each state, was created to recognize hospital leaders who effectively educate elected officials about how major issues affect hospitals’ roles in the community, who have expanded the base of community support for hospitals, and who have been advocates for hospitals and patients.

The award recognizes Charmel’s exceptional leadership in advocating for hospital priorities. He is an active and engaged advocate, speaking at press conferences at the Capitol, and educating legislators on major issues impacting hospitals today. 

“Pat Charmel is a vocal advocate for hospitals,” said Jennifer Jackson, CEO, CHA. “He speaks eloquently and passionately with legislators about the importance of policies that improve patient care and adequately fund Medicaid. In partnership with the AHA, we are pleased to honor him with the 2018 Grassroots Champion Award.”

Charmel is a member of the CHA Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, and a former Chairman of the CHA Board. 
He is the current Chairman of CHA’s Diversified Network Services Board, a member of the Financial Oversight Committee, and a member of the Committee on Hospital Finance. 
Over the years, he has served on many CHA committees, subcommittees, and work groups. 
Additionally, he was an American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board 1 Member from 2003–2006. 

He is also Chairman of the Board of Planetree International, Chairman of the Value Care Alliance of Connecticut, Chairman of the Central Connecticut Board of Directors for the American Heart Association, Member of the Connecticut State Innovation Model Initiative, Member of the Health IT Advisory Council, and Member of the Board of Directors of the Valley United Way.

Charmel, who has led Griffin Hospital since 1998, developed and implemented consumer-driven, person-focused services that result in high patient satisfaction, while maintaining high operational efficiency.

About the CHA

The Connecticut Hospital Association has been dedicated to serving Connecticut’s hospitals since 1919. 

Through state and federal advocacy, CHA represents the interests of Connecticut’s hospitals on key healthcare issues in the areas of quality and patient safety, access and coverage, workforce, community health, health equity, and hospital reimbursement.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.