The Digital Health team partnered with Amwell, Carilion’s virtual visit vendor, and Carilion’s Child Life Specialists to bring Santa Claus virtually to young patients on Tuesday, December 9. Many of these patients were spending the holidays in isolation and may not have otherwise had the opportunity to see Santa.
I had loss my Carilion ID Badge. I received an email from Cyndee Karnes explaining she had my badge. My Carilion badge was found in the parking lot of the local garbage site. The employee that maintains the site gave my badge to Cyndee's husband because she knew that Cyndee worked for Carilion. Cyndee's husband asked her if she could try to locate me in which she did. Cyndee was so kind and meet me at the front door of the department she works. Cyndee showed compassion and caring and going the extra mile for a co-worker.
The Mental Health Morale Committee organized a holiday parade to spread holiday cheer throughout the inpatient and outpatient mental health building in Roanoke. Such a fun way to lift spirits and bring smiles to the faces of patients and staff. 🎄
Penny Shelton Community Health Worker, Peer Recovery Specialist from the Tazewell Community Hospital
Penny went above and beyond for a patient who recently lost her job, is legally blind, and had no income or transportation. When the patient needed a ride to an urgent eye surgeon appointment more than an hour away, Medicaid transportation initially refused due to the 48-hour rule.
VelocityCare provider, Amber Clary, made sure an unhoused patient had a warm place to sleep at a hotel during one of the coldest nights of the year.
Olivia McGuinn, PCT on Mother/Baby (12S), along with a group of friends, warmed both hands and hearts on Sunday, 12/14/25, by giving back to the community's less fortunate in a big way. On the coldest day of the year, they handed out 100 cups of hot chocolate, along with snack cakes and cookies, to anyone braving the chilly weather.
Their message was simple yet powerful: “We just want everyone to feel seen and know that they are being thought about.”
Submitted by Jana Keen, BSW, QMHP-T, Case Manager, Medical Social Worker, CFMH
A coworker was completing BSL training, lost conscience, fell and hit her head, causing a laceration. Kayla Frith, Referral Coordinator, quickly met with the person, triaged her, called for help, and prevented her from getting up until a rapid response was called and medical staff arrived. If it were not for her acquity to her surroundings, this person may have been left in an empty hallway while hurt and impaired! Thank you Kayla!!!!
Thank you to all the employees who came out to donate blood with The Blood Connection at RMH yesterday! After a few slow months, the December event welcomed 17 returning donors and 28 first time donors. Many thanks to the committee who worked hard to get the word out to our staff! The next RMH drive is February 5th from 10am-5pm and donors will continue to receive gift cards from The Blood Connection and Personify Health point vouchers for participating!
Carilion Giles has a site specific "AWESOME SAUCE" Recognition that was created this year by the Inpatient Ops Manager to create collaboration and cohesion throughout the facility. Here are some of the most recent recipients. November Recipient Brianna Anderson.
Both Carilion Hospice NRV and Carilion Hospice Roanoke were honored to place trees at The Inn at Blacksburg and at the Hotel Roanoke's Fashions for Evergreens. The NRV Hospice's gnome-themed tree celebrates the warmth and comfort of Carilion Hospice—where peace is planted in every corner, love and care gently grow, and a cozy light reminds us that there’s truly gnome place like home.
