“Andrea is a very determined single parent and worker in nursing who always practices safety.”
Andrea Martin
BSN, CPH, RN
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto
“Whitley has so much compassion for her patients and truly cares about their well-being and what is going on with them. I have seen her educate her patients like no other. I've even seen her physically get sick from worrying about her patients in her personal time at home. She always puts their needs and wants above hers.”
Whitley McCollum
RN, BSN
Nurse
North Mississippi Medical Center
"Kelly is the epitome of the qualities you look for in a healthcare hero. She practices her nursing career with best practices in mind. She does what is supposed to be done, never taking shortcuts. She gives her patients her full attention and care and always advocates for them, always wanting things to be done appropriately and with their best interests at heart. On top of all of that, she's a great mentor to nurses."
Kelly Trinkner
RN
Nurse
Simpson General Hospital
"Eleasicia is the most kind, caring and compassionate person you would ever want to meet. Her beautiful smile lights up every room that she enters. Her patients love her. The care that she provides makes every individual feel special. When she's not at work, she gives her all to suicide awareness at her Pabo Suicide Awareness Foundation. She is Mississippi's finest Project Firstline Hero."
Eleasicia Jenkins
CNA
Nursing Assistant
Strides Rehabilitation – Delta Health Systems
"Braveen is one of the best pediatricians ever. He always advocates for his patients. He makes sure they receive the best care from him and from those he refers them to. He listens, he cares and my daughter loves him. He makes sure that the child and parent are both well-informed during and after each visit. He believes in having good eating habits, exercising and staying healthy, all for the benefit of his patients."
Braveen Ragunanthan
MD, MPH, FAAP
Pediatrician
Mound Bayou Health Department
"Jessica goes above and beyond for not just her patients, but also the whole department. She makes sure to initiate safe health practices to help her patients comfortable. She is a light in the world of nursing. She makes patients from children to adults feel welcome and will always make the extra effort to take care of them. She is the epitome of a safe practice nurse."
Jessica Shaw Criddle
RN
Nurse
Tupelo Mississippi State Health Department
"Natache has been our facility's infection control nurse since the COVID pandemic, and she continues to play a vital role in ensuring we maintain the highest standards of safety. She is not afraid to be particular or to challenge the status quo when it comes to protecting our health and well-being. Her dedication and expertise have made a significant impact on our facility. We feel secure with her!"
Natache Tolar
RN, BSN, CIC
Infection Preventionist
Baptist Memorial
"Dr. Fakorede should be a Project Firstline MS Hero because he cares about the well-being of his patients. He always goes above and beyond for them. He does his best to lower the rate of amputation amongst the Black community and ensures that his patients have healthy hearts. He always puts his patients and their health first."
Dr. Foluso Fakorede
MD
Interventional Cardiologist
Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi
"Yakitta is the essence of healthcare. She is a team player, always willing to help and has excellent communication skills. She has contributed to the professional growth of her team members and displayed incredible leadership skills. Yakitta maintains a positive attitude, is consistently reliable and is quick to respond in any situation."
Yakitta Landrum-Lovett
MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Nurse Manager
Strides Inpatient Rehabilitation
“As an RN who worked during COVID at three different hospitals in Mississippi, Jessica is efficient, has a great demeanor, and respects patients' needs. She goes above and beyond for everyone. She has seen multiple sides of the profession of nursing, from paper charting to electronic records. She worked the days people couldn’t during COVID. She worked during a hurricane and was active in Biloxi to help.”
Jessica Bates
RN-ER
Registered Nurse
Baptist Memorial
“Hearstine is the epitome of health care. So caring and compassionate. She is hands-on and detailed with healthcare procedures. She has been in healthcare for over 30 years, starting off as a CNA and furthering her education at MDCC to become an LPN. She also went on to obtain her RN license. She gives her all to her patients. The greatest joy is being out in public and seeing her former patients thank her.”
Hearstine Ewing
RN
Team Leader and Nurse
Strides Rehabilitation and Delta Health System
“Nesa is a great RN, one who is very kind, loving and passionate. She take cares of her patients and families like her own. She always goes the extra mile to make her patients happy. She's very knowledgeable in her areas of expertise, always working to create a positive attitude. Very calm and collected. Very good team worker. She has what we call a perfect, true nursing attitude. Loves her patients. Very compassionate. She practices safety very strictly when it comes to hand hygiene and always wears correct PPE. She practices safety and the five medication rights at all times. She always helps others.”
Nesa Paitan
BSN, RN
Nurse
North Mississippi Medical Center Tupelo
“Allison is one of the most compassionate nurses I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She goes above and beyond to care for the critically ill or injured. Her positive attitude is infectious, which puts a smile on everyone’s face that comes in contact with her. She is the definition of a 'team player' and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Allison is a true healthcare hero!”
Allison Ryan
RN, EMT, CFRN
Flight Nurse
Air Evac Lifeteam 87
"I have watched Ashley take care of so many patients working along beside her. She is always putting the patients and their loved ones first and going above any beyond for them. She is always advocating for our patients and their health and safety needs are top priority. She has a true God-giving heart for nursing."
Ashley Chandler
RN, CM
Registered Nurse
AccentCare
"Since 2019, Dr. Herrington has worked with UMMC's ID department to provide care to > 1,000 Mississippians living with HIV and hepatitis C. In addition to facilitating insurance coverage for patient's HIV and/or hep C medication regimens, Peyton provides patient education and counseling regarding correct medication use to improve adherence and achieve viral suppression or SVR to therapy."
Peyton Herrington
PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
UMMC
"Alexis is great at her job. She always puts health and safety first. She leads others to practice healthy standards and holds them in the highest regard. She also takes a lot of pride in being over the shot room at IMPC and goes through hours of training to ensure she and others are educated."
Alexis Sheppeard
CCMA
Internal Medicine and Pediatric Clinic
of New Albany
"Kaitlin goes above and beyond to ensure every single patient that walks through the doors of that clinic is happy and healthy. She also goes above her job title and duties to assist her coworkers in every way she possibly can."
Kaitlin Jolly
CSR
Patient Accounts
Ochsner Health Center
"Heather goes above and beyond not only for us patients, but her coworkers as well, even kids. She may be singing a song or teaching the importance of something, she makes sure she has a way to teach all learning styles."
Heather Stewart
LPN II
Nurse
Family Medical Center
"I had the pleasure of working very closely with Stephanie at Jackson Liver and GI Associates. Although we were in separate departments, I had the privilege of witnessing the level of care that Stephanie provides to each and every one of her patients. Stephanie is detailed, thorough, and her priority is always patient safety and comfort."
Stephanie Hardy
CCMA
Jackson Oncology Associates,
MEA Pearl
"Wally is a top-line nurse. He is always on the lookout, ensuring that all safety measures are being followed. While doing so he still provides the best quality nursing care to all his patients. He is a true definition of what safe, clean, sterile, infection free looks like. Wally is such a motivation to his colleagues! He makes up games and challenges them to do the same."
Walter Babb
ER, RN
Registered Nurse
Endeavor Health/
Aurora Healthcare
"Hayley is a frontline hero. She works in the ICU caring for her patients and their families. She advocates for the patients to ensure they receive the best care possible. She worked through the pandemic, even sacrificing time with her family to help take care of others. She is also a mom who strives to teach her child about the importance of proper hygiene and cleaning up the world around us."
Hayley Miller
ICU RN-BSN
Staff Nurse
Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi
"Dee has been a nurse for over ten years. She an outstanding nurse in the hospital, but she’s a hero in the community. Any accident she sees, she stops. Any injury she sees, she stops and aids. She has helped in so many auto accidents and Injuries out in the community it’s unreal! She’s a hero. This is why I nominate her."
Dee Evans-Armond
MSN, RN
Nurse
UMMC
"Tabathia has been a leader for our unit. She excels in focusing on patient safety. She was able to remove two catheters and a central line in one day! Tabathia is a great champion for infection prevention in our unit."
Tabathia Shackelford
RN
Registered Nurse
North MS Medical Center
"I would like to nominate Brooke Papania, who leads our Microbiology Team. We could not treat patients effectively and stop the spread of infections without our Microbiology Lab Team. Brooke has served on our organization's Blood Culture contamination team and helped reduce our rate from 5% to 2%. She serves on many committees providing her expertise and helping develop many initiatives to reduce HAIs."
Brooke Papania
ASCP
Microbiology Supervisor
Memorial Health Systems
"I would like to nominate our hospitals Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI) Champion and Team Leader, Whitney Sutton, for leading our healthcare systems reduction in Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections within the last year. Whitney displays strong communication skills, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about reducing CLABSI’s. She has led our CLABSI reduction initiatives by engaging our team and educating staff as well as communicating across all levels of leadership the importance of reducing healthcare-associated infections."
Whitney Sutton
BSN, RN
ICU Manager
Memorial Health Systems
"Aga is always willing to support all clinicians in daily operations. She is a valuable team player who doesn’t mind playing."
Aga Young
CCMA
Medical Assistant
Baptist Medical Groups
“Crystal is one of the hardest working housekeepers that we have at Tippah County Hospital and Tippah County Health Clinic. She takes care of us in the RHC. She makes sure we have everything we need for the day, she cleans very well, and she makes sure to use the cleaners that must be used in the RHC. Crystal is great. She goes over and beyond her normal job duties to make sure we have what we need all day and checks on us throughout the day. It is so nice to come in each morning to a clean clinic. Thank you, Crystal! We appreciate you!”
Crystal Florez
Housekeeping
Housekeeper
Tippah County Hospital
“I wanted to nominate Misty for the the award recognizing excellence in healthcare safety and hygiene practices. As an Advanced EMT, Misty goes above and beyond in prioritizing hand hygiene, using proper PPE, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and devices diligently, and disposing of medical waste appropriately. Not only does she excel in these areas herself, but she also goes out of her way to help and guide others in doing the same. Misty's dedication to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for both patients and her colleagues is truly commendable. I believe she is a shining example of what it means to be a healthcare professional who consistently puts the well-being of others first.”
Misty Boyle
AEMT
Advanced EMT
Lifecare Ambulance
"As an Advanced EMT, Devan consistently demonstrates a rigorous adherence to best practices that ensure the well-being of both patients and healthcare providers. He consistently utilizes proper PPE to minimize cross-contamination risks and safeguard against hazardous materials. Devan's unwavering commitment to upholding stringent safety measures not only reflects his professionalism but also underscores his genuine concern for the welfare of both patients and colleagues."
Devan Simpson
AEMT
Advanced EMT
Lifecare Ambulance
“She is compassionate and always willing to help others. She has over 20 years in healthcare experience. She does good deeds without looking for recognition.”
Melissa Campbell
LPN
Nurse
Methodist Healthcare
“Brittany is one of the finest and most down-to-earth paramedics you will ever meet. She will make your worst day feel like the best! Not only does she go out of her way for her community and the people she serves, but for her coworkers and fellow first responders as well. She is one of the best paramedics and one of the best EMS instructors you will ever meet. Within my time of knowing Brittany, I have learned what it means to be in the EMS field and being in it for the right reasons. I have also learned what it means to be a part of a family that’s bigger than just blood, but a family that will always have your back.”
Brittany Wilkins
EMS
Paramedic
AMR
“The APIC Greater Jackson Chapter would like to recognize Erica Payne for her dedication and service to the Infection Prevention (IP) profession. Erica served as the 2023 Chapter President for the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Greater Jackson Chapter 068. She has worked in infection prevention since 2010 and has been an active APIC member for 10 years. She has contributed much of her own time spearheading infection prevention initiatives and has been an invaluable resource and mentor for new and seasoned infection preventionists.”
Erica Payne
RN, BSN, CIC
Infection Preventionist
University of Mississippi Medical Center
“ NP Wilkes has led and paved the way for many to be able to be successful. She is selfless and caring and will always make a way where there doesn’t seem to be one. NP Wilkes is pure of heart, and she is both blessed and a blessing to be able to work with. NP Wilkes is a hero.”
Alisha Wilkes
FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner
Sky Integrative Medical Center
“Kim used to work in housekeeping and was a key component in preventing the spread of infection. Her transition into Admissions has seen a positive effect on our business office staff. She is knowledgeable about PPE usage, cleaning & disinfection. She is consistent in hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting between patients, and cleaning equipment, such as wheelchairs, between patients. I've seen her influence her peers to do the same.”
Kimberly Peeples
Admissions Clerk
Tippah County Hospital
“Terry’s leadership, willingness to help others, ability to comfort her patients, positive attitude and her passion for training others is what makes her a Hero! Thank you for always going above and beyond for your patients, Terry!”
Terry Dorsey
FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner
Indianola Family Medical Group
“Lesia Thomas has helped so many people in her community. She is a Project Firstline Hero because she is the doctor who sits and listens to you, and she really puts her heart and soul into what she does. If she can’t resolve your problems, she will do research and find someone who can. She’s a true definition of a heartfelt medical worker.”
Lesia Thomas
FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner
Priority After Hours Clinic
“Dr. Donaldson has a passion for helping improve her community. Her heart is people and living healthy lives, which includes mentally, physically, and emotionally. She follows proper protocol to ensure that all that she encounters are taken care of with the utmost respect. She wears proper PPE, practices injection safety, cleans and disinfects surfaces and devices properly, disposes of waste material appropriately and helps others to do the same.”
Dr. Sheree Donaldson
PhD, DNP, EdS, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Co-Owner, COO
Complete Care Solutions, PLLC
“ Her dedication to her patients and co-workers, her reliability and professionalism when it comes to infection control and safety, is what sets her apart. She always goes the extra mile for her patients.”
Ericka Smith
CNA, PBT
Phlebotomist
Nephrology & Hypertension
“She’s heaven-sent! The true definition of a person who’d do and give her all to her community and others. If she can provide a service, she does it without hesitation! She gives so much to help those in need with no second guessing! An angel sent from God! She teaches any healthy tips she knows, she ensures everybody's safety and cleanliness! Hand washing is taught as well as other protective measures to protect you from others if I’ll as well as others with you if you’re exposed.”
Vanessa Haywood
MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, NRCME
Nurse Practitioner
Quality Family Medical
“Nurse Washington goes above and beyond to take care of her patients and the community she lives in. She follows policies and procedures. She has a servant heart, is a good Samaritan, and helps when she is not at work. She is the Community Nurse.”
Stacy Washington
RN
Clinical Nurse Supervisor
Tunica County Health Care Authority
“Mrs. Collins is a native of Shaw, MS who moved back to her hometown during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to help fight against the virus. Since then, she has worked countless hours in her community promoting health and wellness. She continues to provide support education to all patients on infection control practices such as hand hygiene, ways to boost immunity, support of COVID/influenza vaccines, as well as other recommended vaccinations.”
Tammarin Collins
APRN, MSN, FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner
Maximum Care AH Clinic
"Dustin is such a team leader when it comes to maintaining a safe, clean, and calm environment. He is continually furthering his education in an effort to strengthen his ability to do more by all means possible, and he shows exceptional care to his patients when it comes to infection control."
Dustin Kelly
BS, CCP-C
Paramedic
University of Mississippi Medical Center
“She is the best pharmacist!”
Jasmine Edwards
PharmD
Pharmacy Manager
Walgreens
“Jessica is one of the smartest nurses I have had the privilege to work alongside. She is not only knowledgeable but also radiates the best energy. She always goes the extra mile with safety precautions and encourages coworkers to do the same.”
Jessica Adams
CNA, LPN
Nurse
Prestige
“Nora is always available to her patients for questions or concerns about lab work or medicines, and their possible side effects. She is very detail-oriented and researches to ensure that what she does is the absolute best for the patient! She follows guidelines set forth and doesn’t sway from what she knows or feels is correct.”
Nora Gough-Davis
DNP, MBA, MSNS, APRN, FNP-BC
Co-Founder/Executive Director
Shaw Family Medical
“Keyshaw goes above and beyond to make sure the hospital is as infection-free as possible. She is so deserving of this recognition.”
Keyshaw Taylor
RN, BSN
Quality & Infection Control Director
Panola Medical Center, Batesville
“She can handle lots of little kids that are sick - or faking it - at one time! She is always making sure to use all the PPE that is needed and required. Every area is cleaned and items are disposed of properly. All this while more littles are coming in to see her.”
Robbye Reynolds
BSN, RN, NCSN
School Nurse
Rouse Elementary School
“Her name says it all! Kelly McClean is one infection-fighting queen. She is a great leader who puts patients/guests first and cares for everyone she encounters.”
Kelly McClean
Environmental Services Manager
Ocean Springs Hospital
“Kristal is a passionate medical professional, always going above and beyond to give her patients the best care. As an Infection Preventionist, she exemplifies excellent infection prevention and control practices to keep her colleagues and patients safe and promotes proper techniques among her colleagues.”
Kristal Webster
RN, BSN, CIC
Nurse and Infection Preventionist
Singing River Health System
"Chris is the epitome of patient safety and compassionate education. Every day, Chris meets with hospital guests and their families to review their medications. He thoughtfully explains what they are, how they work, and how to take them correctly - most notably, safely - to enhance their effectiveness and protect patients from adverse side effects."
Chris Ayers
RPh
Clinical Pharmacy Manager
Singing River Health System
"She is a caring and compassionate nurse, who goes above and beyond to make sure her patients begin the pre-operative process in a safe and infection-free environment."
Paulette Watts
RN, BSN, CNOR
Pre-Op RN
AVALA
“OR NURSES rock! They do it all to keep you safe while you’re in the OR!”
Sarah Compston
RN, CST
Southern Bone & Joint Specialists, P.A.
"She's the G.O.A.T.! As an Infection Preventionist, Cindy has 18 years of experience and has worked in numerous healthcare settings, providing infection control expertise as part of a large health system. She also served as the HAI/AR Program Coordinator for the MS State Department of Health."
Cindy Allard
BSN, RN, CIC
Former Program Coordinator
Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Program
"Tiffany’s positive energy, attention to safe practices, and outstanding contributions, truly make a difference to her team and those she serves. Thank you for setting the bar high and inspiring us all, Tiffany!"
Tiffany Lott
DPT
Physical Therapist
Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System
“Cynthia demonstrates exceptional commitment to promoting a safe and healthy environment for all. She actively enhances the knowledge and skills of our team members, ensuring that everyone is well-equipped to fight against and prevent infections.”
Cynthia Aycock
MT, ASCP
Infection Control Coordinator
Singing River Health System
"Whitney is the ultimate team player, especially when enhancing our team’s knowledge and ability to protect patients and ourselves against infection. She’s always willing to share insights to help us improve prevention practices - we’re lucky to have her on our winning team."
Whitney Davis
BSN, RN
Infection Prevention Coordinator
Singing River Health System
"Madelynn's unwavering commitment to patient safety is nothing short of remarkable. Her extensive knowledge and approachability make her an invaluable asset to our team. We are grateful for her dedication in ensuring the safety of everyone."
Madelynn Finnie
l
Infection Prevention
Singing River Health System
Melinda Grub
MPH, BSN, CIC, CHES
Infection Preventionist II
UMMC
UMMC
Daralyn Boudreaux
MSN, RN, CIC, CPHQ
Director Quality & Infection Prevention
Singing River Health System
Singing River Health System
Sonya Barber
RN, BSN, MHA, HACP-CMS
Director Accreditation, Safety & Education
Singing River Health System
Singing River Health System
Do you know a healthcare worker in your community who inspires you to keep others safe from infection?
Here’s your chance to nominate them as a
Project Firstline Hero!