Honoring the courage and recovery of Security Officer Yoland Perez

Other Meritus team members who acted during a May 14 incident also received recognition.

The Meritus Health security officer injured during an incident at Meritus Medical Center last month has been released from the hospital.

Yolanda Perez was discharged Sunday, June 7, and has returned home to continue her recovery with her family.

On May 14, Yolanda responded to a report of a suspicious person on campus.

“During the events that followed, she displayed exceptional courage, professionalism and decisive action while serving and protecting others,” said Carrie Adams, Pharm.D., president of Meritus Medical Center. “Her response exemplified the dedication and selflessness that define healthcare security professionals.”

As Yolanda left the hospital, colleagues from across the organization gathered to honor her with a Hero Walk, recognizing her extraordinary actions and the sacrifices she made during the incident. The outpouring of support reflected the deep respect and gratitude felt by all who have been touched by her service.

Yolanda is not only a valued member of our team, but also a loving mother and grandmother, Adams said. As she continues her recovery, Meritus remains committed to supporting her healing and celebrating her remarkable strength and resilience.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Yolanda for her service, courage and commitment to protecting our patients, visitors and team members,” Adams said. “We ask that you continue to keep Yolanda and her family in your thoughts as she progresses through her recovery journey.”

During a ceremony June 17, Meritus senior leaders honored Yolanda, as well as several others who put the safety and well-being of others first during the situation.

The Courage in Crisis Award was given in recognition of team members’ calm and decisive response during an emergency. Through their efforts to warn others, direct individuals to safety and support those around them, they helped safeguard patients, visitors and team members. They include:

• Jaleia Bell – nutrition
• McKenzie Beall – nutrition
• Debra Crockett – nutrition
• Aliyah Jimenez-Alonso – nutrition
• Isabel Palacios – nutrition
• Isabell Rodriguez – nutrition
• Marquita Sanders – nutrition

The See Something, Say Something Award was given in recognition of team members’ exceptional situational awareness and commitment to safety by promptly identifying concerning behavior and alerting Security, helping protect patients, visitors and team members. They include:

• Candi Blessing – nutrition
• Kevin Madden – nutrition
  

The Heroic Response Award was given to team members in recognition of extraordinary courage, professionalism and decisive action during a critical incident. Through exceptional composure and dedication, they helped protect countless lives until law enforcement arrived and secured the scene.

• Officer Kate Ojeda - security
• Officer Yolanda Perez - security

Ojeda also received a commendation from Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert.

The Healthcare Heroes Award was given to team members in recognition of their exceptional clinical skill, composure and teamwork during an emergency. Their prompt assessment and care of an injured team member contributed to that person’s safety and well-being during a critical time.

• Killian Clark, RN – forensics
• Jess McLean, RN – Emergency Department
• Eileen Stipanovic, RN – Emergency Department
• Tara Salazar, RN – Emergency Department
• Tyler Alexander, tech – Emergency Department
• Kwinton Adams, tech – Emergency Department
• Nancy Amaya, tech – Emergency Department
• Dr. Christopher Gentle, MD – Emergency Department
• Dr. Bernardo Diaz, MD – Trauma
• Ericka Stoor-Burning, PA – Trauma