Watertown, N.Y. – At Samaritan, there are volunteers who serve at the hospital, long term care facilities, special events, off-site offices and on various boards of our respective entities. Initiated in 2023, the HIVE (Helpful Indeed – Volunteering Excellence) Award is a way to honor those volunteers who have contributed an extraordinary level of dedication and shown exceptional service to Samaritan while consistently demonstrating the organization’s HEART values, which are Honest, Empathetic, Accountable, Respect, and Trustworthy.
Why HIVE? The beehive is symbolic of teamwork, unity, growth, and development. At Samaritan, we are all caregivers, including those who have committed to showing extraordinary compassionate care as a volunteer. We need each other to care for our community.
The HIVE Award complements the existing DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®, the BEE Award (Being Excellent Every Day) honoring other outstanding staff members who support patient care, at the hospital and all outpatient clinics, the OWL (Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care) for the team of caregivers at the Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village, and the ELM award for exceptional leaders and managers. Altogether, we recognize the amazing caregivers of the Samaritan Health System and the culture we embrace.
Our first recipient for 2026 is Joliese Haynes. She serves as a volunteer with the storeroom team in the Medical Center, supporting the entire health system.
A Samaritan Caregiver of the unit nominated Haynes saying, “Joliese consistently comes in to help sort letters in the mailroom, and her contributions are greatly appreciated. She is always friendly, outgoing, and a true joy to be around. She reliably volunteers three times a week, and her presence makes a meaningful difference. We are grateful for the energy and dedication she brings to the team.”
Those interested in recognizing a Samaritan volunteer may submit an online nomination at samaritanhealth.com/hive there are also paper nomination forms available at the Medical Center and Samaritan Summit Village gift shops.
Pictured here is Joliese Haynes, HIVE Award recipient at Samaritan Medical Center.
Watertown, New York – Samaritan Medical Center will host its Physician Recognition Dinner on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The event, sponsored by the Samaritan Medical Center Medical Executive Committee and the Samaritan Foundation, takes place each year around and in celebration of National Doctors’ Day, honoring both active and retired physicians for their tireless dedication to the community. National Doctors’ Day is observed annually on March 30.
As part of the evening, one physician will be presented with the twelfth Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a Samaritan doctor for their leadership and long-term service to the health and well-being of Northern New York. Whether through private practice, hospital duties, leadership roles on the Board or Medical Staff, or volunteer efforts, Samaritan physicians contribute their time and expertise to making the community a better place to live.
This year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award is Dr. Sarah Delaney-Rowland, an emergency medicine physician, in recognition of her 22 years of outstanding service in Emergency Medicine at Samaritan Medical Center, distinguished by exceptional clinical expertise, compassionate leadership, and an unwavering commitment to patients, colleagues and the communities she serves.
Born and raised in Watertown, Dr. Delaney-Rowland received her medical degree from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse in 1997. She went on to complete a residency in emergency medicine at MetroHealth Medical Center/Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. She is board certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. Following residency, Dr. Delaney-Rowland enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and began practice as an emergency medicine physician at Ehrling Bergquist Hospital, Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. She was honorably discharged from the Air Force as a Major in July 2004. She then returned to her hometown of Watertown and joined the medical staff of Samaritan Medical Center through her employment with Emergency Medicine Consultants, PC. In 2008, she became an owner of that group which is now known as North Country Emergency Medicine Consultants, PC.
Dr. Sarah Delaney-Rowland has demonstrated longstanding leadership and service both within Samaritan Medical Center and throughout the region. She currently serves as Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine, a role she has held since 2011. Hospital leadership roles include serving on the Medical Executive Committee and Emergency Department Management Committee. She also contributes to numerous hospital and regional committees focused on quality improvement, patient safety, infectious disease, trauma and stroke care, and emergency management. In addition, she serves as Medical Director for several area fire and ambulance services, further underscoring her dedication to emergency care both within the hospital and throughout the community.
Beyond the hospital, Dr. Delaney-Rowland is engaged in community service. She supports the Lyme community through fundraising and outreach efforts, coordinates donations to Project V.E.T.S. and Partners for World Health, and, alongside her husband, owns Elmwood Labradors, where they breed and train English Labradors. She is also active in pet therapy through Pet Partners and has specialized training in assisted animal crisis response, providing emotional support during times of crisis and disaster.
“In honor of Doctors’ Day, this event allows us to recognize and thank our physicians and to celebrate the essential role they play at Samaritan,” said Thomas H. Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center. “Dr. Delaney-Rowland exemplifies the highest standards of patient care, leadership, and community service. Her dedication to emergency medicine, her colleagues, patients, and the community has had a profound and lasting impact on Samaritan and the region.
Dr. Delaney-Rowland is married to her high school sweetheart, Chris. Together they have four children – Christopher, Gwyneth, Madeleine, and Graham. She is the daughter of Michael and Lori Delaney.
The Physician Recognition Dinner will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Samaritan Summit Village, 22691 Campus Drive, Watertown, NY. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $60 per person. For more information or to RSVP, please visit www.samaritanhealth.com/physiciandinner, or call 315-785-5745.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2013. Past recipients of this award include Dr. Jack Rush (2025); Dr. Karl Komar (2024); Dr. Maja Lundborg-Gray (2023); Dr. Jan Turcotte (2022); Dr. LaVerne VanDeWall (2019); Dr. Al Maloney (2018); Dr. John Poggi (2017); Dr. Collins F. Kellogg, Jr. (2016); Dr. David P. Rechlin (2015); Dr. David O. VanEenenaam (2014); Dr. Ronald G. Perciaccante (2013).
Watertown, NY – Samaritan is proud to recognize three exceptional team members as the fall and winter 2025 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award. These awards were delayed due to various reasons.
At Samaritan Summit Village, Victoria David, food service worker, was recognized for being kind-hearted, and making sure everyone is cared for. Carrie Lawlor, a secretary with the dietary team, was nominated for her compassionate nature and many years of dedication to Samaritan Summit Village residents, and to her co-workers.
At Samaritan Keep Home, Carson Vance, a maintenance team member, was nominated for his exceptional dedication to our facilities and residents, going above and beyond to make residents and visitors feel at home.
The honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held at their respective facilities.
The OWL Award celebrates the everyday heroes who go the extra mile to provide excellent care and support in Samaritan’s long term care communities. Nominations are accepted year-round from patients, residents, families, and colleagues.
To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Pictured here, from left to right, are fall and winter 2025 OWL awardees Carrie Lawlor, Victoria David, and Carson Vance.
About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services
Caregivers at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care and significant assistance with the activities of daily life. Nursing homes have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to help individuals meet their daily physical, social and psychological needs. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy are available to provide rehabilitation services. Samaritan Summit Village also offers Assisted Living with six neighborhoods and apartments that are comfortable, functional, and safe. This facility is for those who need a little extra help while continuing an independent lifestyle.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center expanded its employee recognition program in fall 2025 with the introduction of the ELM Award for Exceptional Leaders and Managers, honoring outstanding leadership across the organization. The final recipient for 2025—and the program’s second overall honoree—is Andrea Roden, Samaritan Experience Manager.
Roden previously served as Samaritan’s Patient Relations Manager and now leads as Samaritan Experience Manager, where she oversees patient relations, the volunteer program, and screening/visitation caregivers. In every role, she has elevated the standard of service, championing a culture where every patient, resident, visitor, and caregiver feels heard, valued, and supported.
Beyond her leadership responsibilities, Roden serves as an Innovation Ambassador and actively contributes to several internal committees, helping shape initiatives that strengthen the organization and enhance the care experience.
She was nominated for this award by multiple caregivers who consistently highlighted her unwavering dedication to her profession, her team, and the individuals and families Samaritan serves. Their nominations reflect a leader whose compassion, integrity, and commitment truly embody the spirit of Samaritan.
Roden was presented with the award on February 10 and was celebrated by her co-workers.
The ELM Award honors exceptional Samaritan leaders and managers who exemplify the organization’s HEART values—honesty, empathy, accountability, respectfulness, and trustworthiness. Unlike the DAISY, BEE, or OWL Awards, which recognize those in direct patient or resident care roles, the ELM Award celebrates leaders who support care indirectly through their leadership.
These individuals foster safe, supportive environments for staff, uphold quality standards, manage resources responsibly, and cultivate teamwork, resilience, and recognition. They create settings where compassion thrives, enabling staff to treat patients, residents, and families with dignity and respect. Nominated by staff or peers, ELM Award recipients have served Samaritan for at least one year and, like the strong and adaptable elm tree, demonstrate resilience, growth, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning. The ELM is a quarterly award.
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Pictured here is ELM awardee Andrea Roden, Samaritan Experience Manager.
About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed, not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services—such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services—Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military communities. Quality, compassion and safety are the basic principles that guide the exceptional care delivered at Samaritan.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to contribute to Jefferson County’s 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA), Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and Community Services Plan (CSP). This effort reflects a shared, countywide commitment to improving health and advancing equity. These plans were developed through a strong partnership among Jefferson County Public Health Service, Carthage Area Hospital, River Hospital, and Samaritan Medical Center, with leadership and planning support from the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization. Community partners and local stakeholders played an important role in shaping priorities and will continue to be involved as the plans are implemented.
The Community Health Assessment identifies key health needs, gaps, and available resources using data and direct community input. The CHIP and CSP build on those findings by outlining practical, evidence-based strategies to improve health outcomes and access to care. Together, these plans align with New York State’s 2025–2030 Prevention Agenda, which emphasizes prevention, health equity, and the social and economic factors that influence well-being.
For 2025–2030, Jefferson County will focus on priority areas including poverty, suicide prevention, tobacco and e-cigarette use, infant and maternal health, chronic disease prevention, oral healthcare, and health- and wellness-promoting schools. By working within a shared framework while addressing local needs, partners are taking coordinated action to strengthen community conditions and improve health and quality of life for all residents.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce the successful implementation of GE HealthCare’s Portrait™ Ecosystem, an innovative advancement that elevates continuous monitoring and inpatient vital sign monitoring to an entirely new level. Samaritan is the first installation of this monitoring solution in the United States– a milestone achievement for both the organization and the region.
The new Portrait VSM vital signs monitor units replaced Samaritan’s aging technology. These devices are wireless with a connected workflow and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) integration to provide precise readings for blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature and respiratory rate, eliminating the delay from manual data entry in the patient record.
GE HealthCare’s Portrait Ecosystem is enhanced by Portrait Mobile, a continuous wireless and wearable monitoring solution that allows patients to move freely while enabling real-time continuous monitoring with a personalized view of the patient’s vitals and integration with the EMR. Without limiting patient mobility and allowing them to move freely, this advanced wireless technology allows medical personnel to continuously monitor patient status throughout the ward and may help clinicians detect patient deterioration early. This platform is also particularly useful for the continuous monitoring of pulse oximetry. Portrait Mobile connects with Portrait VSM to seamlessly integrate patient data into one unified workflow.
Samaritan achieved this major implementation thanks to the extraordinary efforts of GE HealthCare and the Samaritan Information Technology and Biomed teams. Portrait Mobile and Portrait VSM units have been deployed across several medical/surgical units with additional devices scheduled for implementation in the coming weeks.
“This patient monitoring technology represents a significant leap forward in patient care, workflow efficiency, and clinical insight,” said John Green, Vice President of Patient Care Services at Samaritan Medical Center. “We’re proud of the collaboration and dedication that made this possible, and even more proud to bring these advanced capabilities to our patients and staff.”
This achievement reflects Samaritan’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for December 2025. Both honorees work in Samaritan’s Management Information Systems/Information Technology department. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.
Joseph Margrey, Jr., Licensed Practical Nurse and Systems Analyst, received the December DAISY Award. His nomination, submitted by a Samaritan caregiver in the Dermatology Clinic, highlighted Margrey’s attentive and compassionate work as a Systems Analyst and emphasized the significant impact his personality and contributions have on the overall health system.
The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Margrey received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
Collin Wood, Desktop Support Technician, was nominated for the December BEE Award by a group of nurse managers at the Medical Center who recognized his consistently outstanding performance and responsiveness. They expressed gratitude for his prompt attention to IT issues, ensuring that patient care was not disrupted.
Wood received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Pictured here are Samaritan’s December 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Joseph Margrey, Jr. (left), and December 2025 BEE Award recipient, Collin Wood (right).
About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Watertown, NY — Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce that Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York has named 2-year-old Finley Valentine of Watertown as its 2026 Champion.
Each year, 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the country identify a champion in their community to serve as the face for children treated at their hospital. Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York at Samaritan Medical Center (CMN) has chosen an annual local champion since 2019.
“We first met Finley when he was a newborn, and we’re thrilled to see him reaching so many important milestones,” said Angie VanWormer, director of Children’s Miracle Network at Samaritan. “Finley’s story is one of courage and resilience, and his family will be sharing more about his journey as they advocate for CMN throughout the North Country this year.”
Finley was born ten weeks early, with underdeveloped lungs and little chance of survival. He spent 69 days in the neonatal intensive care unit, enduring two blood transfusions, two ambulance transfers, and weeks on breathing support. Diagnosed with chronic lung disease and pulmonary hypertension, he requires continuous oxygen support, a feeding tube, and weekly therapies. Despite his challenges, Finley is full of joy.
Through the Direct Family Assistance Program, CMN continues to help Finley and many more local kids by easing the financial burden of medical care. This program is available to children in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties who are facing a health crisis to help with out-of-pocket costs, including travel to specialists away from home and expenses not covered by insurance.
For more information about Children’s Miracle Network, contact Samaritan Medical Center at 315-785-4053 or [email protected]
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for November 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.
Elizabeth Bush, Registered Nurse (RN), received the November DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by a family member of a patient in the Emergency Department, showcased Elizabeth’s kindhearted approach to care and her compassionate nature.
The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Bush received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
Owen Collins, Desktop Support Technician, was nominated for the November BEE Award by a unit program director who said:
“While all members of the IT team are great to work with, Owen truly goes above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly. He consistently checks in with us daily, proactively ensuring that no issues go unaddressed. Whenever a ticket is submitted, Owen responds promptly, reaching out to schedule a time to assess the issue or often showing up right away. His quick response time and commitment to resolving problems immediately have been invaluable.”
Collins received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Pictured here are Samaritan’s November 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Elizabeth Bush, RN, (left), and November 2025 BEE Award recipient, Owen Collins (right).
About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the October 2025 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award.
At Samaritan Summit Village, Licensed Practical Nurse Shalamaar Ormiston was recognized by a fellow caregiver for her outstanding work ethic, compassionate care, and consistent willingness to go above and beyond for residents, visitors, and coworkers.
At Samaritan Keep Home, Mary Richards, an Environmental Services team member, was pleasantly surprised by her colleagues for being an exceptional team player and for bringing positivity to the workplace each day.
Both honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held at their respective facilities.
The OWL Award celebrates the everyday heroes who go the extra mile to provide excellent care and support in Samaritan’s long term care communities. Nominations are accepted year-round from patients, residents, families, and colleagues.
To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Pictured here, from left to right, are October 2025 OWL awardees Shalamaar Ormiston, LPN, and Mary Richards.
About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services
Caregivers at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care and significant assistance with the activities of daily life. Nursing homes have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to help individuals meet their daily physical, social and psychological needs. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy are available to provide rehabilitation services. Samaritan Summit Village also offers Assisted Living with six neighborhoods and apartments that are comfortable, functional, and safe. This facility is for those who need a little extra help while continuing an independent lifestyle.
Samaritan Health is not responsible for content, privacy policy, accuracy or legality of any website assessed through a link on www.samaritanhealth.com. A link to another website does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee or approval by Samaritan Health of the linked website or the information, products or services contained therein
