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Citizens Memorial Hospital and Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation recognized five caregivers with the TULIP Award for their dedication and compassion in providing direct patient care.

Lori Cunningham, MA

Lori Cunningham, MA, is a medical assistant who works in the CMH Care Transitions Department. She was nominated for the TULIP Award by a grateful patient who experienced a medical emergency.

The patient reported that when she called the clinic, struggling with shortness of breath and difficulty speaking, Cunningham responded with compassion and urgency. Cunningham instructed the patient to check her oxygen saturation, which was low, and advised her to go to the emergency room. As the patient’s condition worsened, Cunningham determined it was unsafe for her to drive, called 911 and stayed on the phone until the ambulance arrived.

“You don’t find many nurses like this anymore,” the patient wrote. “She needs to be recognized for possibly saving my life because I have pneumonia.”

Jacob Delgado, CNA

Jacob Delgado, CNA, is a certified nursing assistant with CMH Home Care Services. A patient’s family member nominated him for the TULIP Award.

“Jacob comes to our home to bathe my husband. He is always so kind and caring,” the nomination states. “His gentleness, caring attitude and professionalism is outstanding. He always goes the extra mile. He talks to [my husband] while doing his job and really makes him feel at ease. He always leaves him nice and clean and makes notes if he sees anything wrong. He visits our home twice a week and always leaves it just as he found it.”

Amber Litchfield, MA

Amber Litchfield, MA, is a medical assistant at the CMH Gastroenterology Clinic. A patient nominated Litchfield for her exceptional care and compassion.

“Amber is a perfect combination of compassion and excellent health care. I felt at ease, though I was in a medical situation that I did not understand,” the patient wrote. “Amber called to follow up and explain [everything to me]. She also said to call if I had questions. She made me feel that my health is as important to her as it is to me. She never rushed me when we talked. For a senior woman learning to grow old, I felt blessed to have this young woman on my side to give me her valuable time and put me at ease.”

Kaylen Mings, CNA

Kaylen Mings, CNA, is a certified nursing assistant at Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility. A patient’s family member nominated her for the award.

“Kaylen is an absolute angel on earth. She cares for her Alzheimer's and dementia patients as if they were her own family,” the family member wrote. “I watch her every time we visit. She shows so much compassion to her residents and stays level-headed and calm under conditions that would bring most people to their knees. I just want her to know how appreciated she is. Moving a loved one into a facility is not always easy, but because of her, we know we made the best decision we could have made.”

Vanessa Rooffener, PTA

Vanessa Rooffener, PTA, is a physical therapy assistant at the CMH Outpatient Therapy Clinic. A patient nominated Rooffener for her dedication, expertise and compassionate care.

“Vanessa takes her job very seriously but mixes it with a hint of humor and fun. I looked forward to each appointment, knowing I’d not only see improvement in my condition but also enjoy the session,” the nomination states. “Vanessa approaches each appointment as an opportunity to meet her patient’s needs in that specific moment. She had an answer for each challenge. I gained great confidence knowing she could definitely help me return to a normal life. Vanessa has not only helped me but is currently helping my husband. CMH is very fortunate to have Vanessa on their team.”

About the TULIP Award

Citizens Memorial Hospital and the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation created the TULIP Award in June 2021 to recognize outstanding caregivers who assist in direct patient care.

TULIP stands for Thoughtful, Unforgettable, Lasting Impact on Patient Care. The award committee selects one honoree each month.

The TULIP Award is given in conjunction with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing. Nominate a patient caregiver for the CMH TULIP Award at bit.ly/CMHTULIP.

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