Delta, CO (December 1, 2023) – The Delta Health Volunteer Chaplains hosted their fourth annual Delta Health Chaplain’s St. Luke’s Recognition Awards on October 25, honoring and celebrating healthcare professionals who consistently demonstrate exceptional compassion towards patients, families, and colleagues.
Inspired by St. Luke, renowned as the author of the Biblical books of Luke and Acts, and presumed to be educated as a physician, the St. Luke’s awards honor caregivers, nurses, physicians, and hospital staff for their outstanding efforts in healing the mind, body, and spirit.
This year’s five nominees—Susan Retherford, Glenda Gallegos, Jennifer Peed, Jody Roeber, and Shanna Baker—were recognized for going above and beyond in showing compassion and promoting a healing environment. They exemplify dedication to their profession by meeting patients and staff where they are, incorporating their faith and calling into their service.
Of these nominees, two winners were chosen, Susan Rutherford from Nutrition Services and Jody Roeber from Administration, each receiving the prestigious Healing Hands statue/award. Jody’s 30 years of unwavering service to Delta County and her ability to create a healing environment were highlighted in her nomination. Susan, recognized by three individuals from different departments, stood out for her kindness, attention to individual needs, and her profound commitment to her role.
Jody’s letter of nomination highlighted her dedication to the hospital and community. “She has an innate ability to foster a healing environment, always striving to meet patients, staff and the community where they’re at. This exceptional quality has not only uplifted countless individuals during challenging times but has also set a precedent for compassionate care within our institution…Jody’s faith plays a pivotal role in her service. It’s evident in her interactions that she views her profession not just as a job, but as a genuine calling, a purpose-driven path to serve others selflessly.
Susan’s nomination letters all recognized her kindness, attention to patients and their families’ individual needs and going above and beyond in a profound way. One stated that, “Susan has a contagious smile and laugh. She will walk from the Oncology building to the kitchen ten times a day because she takes her job seriously. Everyone matters and she is so proud of everyone that gets to ring the Bell. And we’re proud to have her work with us.”
During the ceremony, Interim CEO and Chief Legal Officer, Julie Huffman expressed gratitude for the work of our hospital chaplains. “All of you provide emotional and spiritual care but your role is much more complex than that. You’re often tasked as acting as a go-between, between patients and providers,” said Huffman. “You advocate for the patient to medical staff. You help alleviate fears related to the medical industry and hospital environment and medical processes, and you offer comfort and guide people who are experiencing their toughest trials. We are honored by the work that you do and we are truly grateful.
Concluding the ceremony, Huffman presented the volunteer Chaplains with a wooden harvest bowl as a token of appreciation, drawing inspiration from Luke 10:2, ““The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field.”
The fourth annual St. Luke’s Chaplain Service Awards were a great reminder of the compassionate, quality care that the volunteer chaplains continue to provide. It was also a way to honor the staff of Delta Health for their work in providing remarkable care in a healing environment.
For more information about the volunteer chaplains at Delta Health, please visit deltahealthco.org or call 970.874.7681.
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About Delta Health – Delta Health (DH) is a nonprofit, county-wide healthcare system with a 49-bed hospital and at locations throughout the southwestern region of Colorado. DH’s mission is to inspire hope in a healing environment by providing remarkable care. Established in 1913, Delta County Memorial Hospital, now doing business as Delta Health, has been serving the region for over 100 years. DH continues to provide compassionate, quality healthcare that the community can trust. For more information go to deltahealthco.org, like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @DeltaHealthCo.
