"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!