JANESVILLE, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) presented three awards for Wisconsin’s First District’s Health Care Hero Awards at Mercyhealth Hospital in Janesville. The awards were presented to Clare O’Dell of Mercyhealth, Amanda Johnson of Mercyhealth, and Beth Schauer of Healthnet for Rock County.
“Our community is incredibly thankful for each our health care professionals working on the front lines. I want to especially thank Clare O’Dell, Amanda Johnson, and Beth Schauer for their dedication to serving others. Their selflessness including working extended hours and putting their patients’ needs first should be commended. I am honored to recognize each of them for their efforts and sacrifices.”
Background:
Clare O’Dell, MSW, CSW, ACM, Inpatient Case Management at Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center, was recognized as a Health Care Hero. O’Dell was nominated for her work with patients for over 30 years working some of the most difficult cases in the emergency department. Despite the challenges of her job, she has been described as someone who “never drops the ball on a patient.”
Amanda Johnson, Director of Palliative and Hospice Care at Mercyhealth System, was recognized as a Health Care Hero for her work with patients facing serious health challenges to make sure they are comfortable and receive the dignity they deserve. One story shared in her nomination mentioned when Amanda tested positive for COVID, despite her own illness, she worked hard to check in on patients through phone calls and emails.
Beth Schauer, RN & Medical Manager for Healthnet Rock County, was awarded the Health Care Hero award for her work coordinating her team to make sure every patient receives top notch care. A story shared in her nomination mentions Beth’s work finding a dentist for a patient in urgent need. She took the initiative to call local health systems and doctors to coordinate care for her patient.
Recipients were selected by Wisconsin’s First Congressional District’s Health Care Advisory Board comprised of health care professionals across Southeast Wisconsin. The Health Care Advisory Board evaluated nominees based on the following criteria:
- SERVICE: Displays exemplary service and performance in their profession
- DEDICATION: Goes above and beyond the call of duty in performing their responsibilities
- SELFLESSNESS: Displays self-sacrifice and selflessness in caring for others
Steil honored Dr. Frank Brodkey of Milton as Wisconsin First Congressional District’s Health Care Professional of the Year as well as Emily Bundy, RN, of Janesville, Casey Stubbs, RN and Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator of Janesville and the COVID-19 united team as Health Care Heroes in 2020.
