Samaritan Health Archives

September 17, 2026September 17, 2026

July 2026 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

graphic showing July 2026 DAISY and BEE Award winners

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for July 2026. 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.

Brooke Parrow, Registered Nurse, was honored with the July DAISY Award. She was recognized for providing exceptional support and compassionate care to a patient who was anxious about an upcoming procedure. Knowing the patient needed a familiar and reassuring presence, Parrow dedicated her personal time to offering comfort and encouragement throughout the experience. Her commitment to patient-centered care and her compassion serve as an inspiring example of nursing excellence.

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Parrow 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.

Joshua McArdell, Central Staff Scheduler, received the July BEE Award. Nominated by a co-worker, McArdell was highlighted for the small acts of kindness he demonstrates every day. From helping colleagues and patients to helping wherever it is needed, he embodies compassion and professionalism in all he does. His ability to make even the most challenging situations feel manageable has a positive impact on everyone around him. Josh’s dedication, reliability, and commitment to our HEART values make him an invaluable member of our team.

McArdell 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.

###

**Samaritan’s July 2026 DAISY Award recipient Brooke Parrow, RN (left), and July 2026 BEE Award recipient Joshua McArdell, Central Staff Scheduler.**

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.

September 8, 2026September 8, 2026

Walmart and Sam’s Club Campaign Raises $106,000 for Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York

photo of Walmart employees with Children's Miracle Network balloons

Watertown, NY — A heartfelt thank you to the incredible generosity of local Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members! Together, they have created a powerful wave of support for Samaritan Medical Center through Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Driven by a shared belief in the boundless potential of every child, their recent fundraising campaign raised over $106,000 — a testament to the kindness that truly transforms lives.

CMN of Northern New York allocates donated funds to provide critical pediatric equipment at Samaritan. In addition, financial assistance is provided to families with a child facing a medical crisis, assisting with out-of-pocket medical expenses such as travel, copays and equipment not covered by insurance. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members’ generosity will nourish progress and pave the way for brighter futures.

“The teams at Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the North Country are all-in when it comes to supporting CMN and local kids,” said Angie VanWormer, Director of Children’s Miracle Network at Samaritan Medical Center. “The funds they raise are helping make miracles happen in our community, and we are so grateful for their dedication to our mission.”

Walmart and Sam’s Club’s dedication to children’s health is unwavering. Since 1987, they have generated over $1 billion in support of children’s hospitals nationwide. This year alone, their 39^th year as a corporate partner with Children’s Miracle Network, they raised over $39 MILLION for 170 CMN member hospitals. Together, we are making big change for all kids.

For more information about Children’s Miracle Network, contact Samaritan Medical Center at 315-785-4053 or [email protected]

###

September 1, 2026September 1, 2026

Samaritan Announces ELM Award Recipient for Second Quarter of 2026

graphic showing photos of Tina O'Neil, ELM Award winner

Watertown, NY — Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to present the quarterly ELM Award for Exceptional Leaders and Managers, honoring outstanding leadership across the organization. The second recipient for 2026—and the program’s fourth overall honoree—is Tina O’Neil, LCSW-R, OSW-C, Director of Mental Health Services.

A Samaritan employee since 2012, O’Neil was nominated by multiple employees who praised her exceptional leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to those around her. Colleagues described her as intelligent, thoughtful and dependable, with a remarkable ability to remain calm and composed even in the most challenging and high-pressure situations.

Her steady presence provides reassurance to employees during times of crisis, while her knowledge and sound judgment help guide teams through difficult circumstances. Beyond her professional expertise, O’Neil is recognized for the respect and confidence she inspires in others. Her nominators expressed sincere gratitude for the way she leads, communicates and supports those around her, noting that she consistently demonstrates the qualities of an exceptional leader.

Through her actions she has made a lasting difference at Samaritan.

O’Neil was presented with the ELM Award on August 19 and was celebrated by her co-workers and family.

The ELM Award honors exceptional Samaritan leaders and managers who exemplify the organization’s HEART values—honesty, empathy, accountability, respect, and trust. 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.

###

portrait of Tina O'Neil, ELM Award winner — *ELM Award recipient Tina O’Neil, LCSW-R, OSW-C, Director of Mental Health Services*

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.

August 18, 2026August 18, 2026

Samaritan Medical Center Foundation Awarded $575,000 Grant to Bring Expanded Breast Imaging Technology to the North Country

Photo of a tech with a mammogram patient at Women's Wellness and Breast Care

Contrast-Enhanced Mammography system expected to be installed by the end of the year

WATERTOWN, NY — Samaritan Medical Center Foundation was recently awarded a $575,000 grant from the Saint Agatha Foundation to purchase a state-of-the-art Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) diagnostic system for the Samaritan Women’s Wellness and Breast Care Center (WWBC). The new equipment, which is expected to be installed by the end of the year, will significantly expand access to advanced breast cancer diagnostics for patients throughout Northern New York.

The award is part of the Saint Agatha Foundation’s record-breaking $2.3 million investment announced last week, providing funding to eight healthcare partners to improve breast cancer care across Central New York, including Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Jefferson, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Tompkins counties.

“The donation from Saint Agatha Foundation enables Samaritan to continue to lead local breast care with the purchase of our first Contrast-Enhanced Mammography equipment,” said Thomas H. Carman, President and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center. “This important diagnostic tool is another way we can find breast cancer faster and lead to treatment more effectively. There are so many medical advancements in early cancer detection, and Saint Agatha Foundation has removed a huge barrier of cost for Samaritan to continue to build our equipment, strengthen our breast care team, and help our patients.”

The CEM system is a next-generation imaging technology that improves cancer detection by highlighting areas of increased blood flow, a common characteristic of breast cancer. The technology offers sensitivity comparable to breast MRI while providing higher specificity, helping reduce unnecessary biopsies. It also serves as an important alternative for patients who cannot undergo or tolerate a breast MRI. In addition to improving cancer detection, CEM allows physicians to monitor how tumors respond to chemotherapy by showing whether a tumor is shrinking, remaining stable, or progressing, which is critical information for guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes.

The investment comes at an important time for the North Country. Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women in New York State, with approximately 16,700 women diagnosed and 2,500 deaths each year, according to the New York State Department of Health. Several counties within Samaritan’s service area experience breast cancer incidence rates above the state average. Between 2018 and 2022, Hamilton County recorded the highest incidence rate in New York State at 168.2 cases per 100,000 residents, while Lewis County and Jefferson County also exceeded the statewide average of 135.5 cases per 100,000 residents.

Despite this need, access to contrast-enhanced mammography remains extremely limited across Northern New York, with the nearest systems primarily located in metropolitan areas such as Syracuse, Rochester, and New York City. For many North Country residents, traveling for advanced imaging presents significant challenges due to distance, winter weather, transportation limitations, and potential insurance barriers. These obstacles can delay diagnosis and treatment.

The Samaritan Women’s Wellness and Breast Care Center provides a comprehensive range of women’s health services, including specialized pregnancy care, gynecologic services, breast imaging, same-day diagnostic interpretations, and breast cancer care. The center’s multidisciplinary team includes a fellowship-trained breast radiologist and Dr. Michael Peyser, the region’s only breast surgical oncologist, who joined Samaritan in February 2025.

Currently, WWBC performs approximately 55 mammograms each day using three mammography units. The center is also the only facility in Jefferson County offering breast MRI services. The addition of CEM technology will further strengthen Samaritan’s ability to provide comprehensive breast cancer care close to home, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for advanced diagnostic imaging while supporting faster diagnoses and more coordinated treatment.

August 6, 2026August 6, 2026

June 2026 OWL Award Recipients

graphic showing photos of June 2026 OWL Award winners Gina Richards and Bryanna Mono

Watertown, NY – Samaritan is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the June 2026 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award.

At Samaritan Summit Village, Skilled Nursing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Gina Richards was nominated by a co-worker for taking a lead role in the conversion to a new electronic medical records system and for providing exceptional care to co-workers, residents, and visitors.

At Samaritan Keep Home, Unit Clerk Bryanna Mono was nominated by two co-workers who recognized her willingness to go the extra mile for residents, visitors, and fellow staff. They said she is very dedicated to her job and is always asking if others need help.

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.

###

Above: OWL awardees Gina Richards, LPN, and Bryanna Mono, Unit Clerk.

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.

August 6, 2026August 6, 2026

June 2026 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for June 2026. 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.

Matt Sheldon, a Registered Nurse at Samaritan Medical Center, was honored with the June DAISY Award. Sheldon was recognized by a patient for his compassionate care while floating in the Progressive Care Unit. The patient noted Sheldon’s commitment to keeping them involved in their plan of care, thoroughly explaining medications and treatments provided. These acts helped the patient feel well cared for.

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Sheldon 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.

Suellen Teske, Human Resources Assistant, received the June BEE Award. Nominated by multiple coworkers, Teske has been recognized for helping people every day. One nominator said, “Colleagues know they can rely on Suellen for guidance, assistance, and encouragement. Suellen’s positive attitude, commitment to helping others, and dedication to Samaritan’s staff make a meaningful difference every day.”

Teske received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.

###

Above: Samaritan’s June 2026 DAISY Award recipient Matt Sheldon, RN, and June 2026 BEE Award recipient Suellen Teske, Human Resources Assistant.

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 community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

July 9, 2026August 6, 2026

Samaritan Medical Center Once Again Nationally Recognized for Commitment to Excellence in Stroke Care

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus award for demonstrating commitment to delivering evidence-based, life-saving stroke care

Watertown, NY — Samaritan Medical Center has once again received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring people experiencing stroke receive timely, appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately helping to save lives and reduce disability.

Get With The Guidelines brings the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association into hospitals nationwide, ensuring patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program designed to improve stroke care through consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize long-term effects of stroke and help prevent death.

Stroke is the number four cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. When this happens, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, minimizing disability and supporting faster recovery.

“At Samaritan Medical Center, we are committed to providing the highest quality stroke care by ensuring every patient receives timely, evidence-based treatment when every minute matters,” said Samaritan President and CEO Thomas Carman. “Receiving this recognition from the American Heart Association reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, EMS partners and clinical teams, who put proven science into practice every day. By adhering to the latest treatment guidelines, we’re helping improve outcomes, reduce disability and give more patients the opportunity to recover and return home to their families.”

Each year, participating hospitals qualify for this award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality stroke care. In addition to following clinical treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also provide education to help people manage their recovery and ongoing health at home.

This year, Samaritan also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

“We are proud to recognize Samaritan Medical Center for its commitment to caring for people experiencing stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, including greater likelihood of being discharged home, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a meaningful benefit for health care systems, families and communities.”

###

July 9, 2026July 9, 2026

May 2026 OWL Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the May 2026 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award.

At Samaritan Summit Village, Skilled Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Jessie Spencer was nominated by the family of a resident in recognition of the exceptional compassion and care she provided to both their loved one and their family. They praised Spencer for her kindness, unwavering support, and attentiveness, noting the meaningful difference she made during their loved one’s care.

At Samaritan Keep Home, Certified Nursing Assistant Rhoda Williams was nominated by a co-worker who recognized her outstanding communication skills and genuine commitment to providing compassionate, resident-centered care. Williams was commended for the empathy and professionalism she consistently demonstrates while supporting residents and their families, helping to create a positive and comforting environment.

The honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held at their respective facilities.

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.

###

Above: OWL awardees Jessie Spencer, CNA, and Rhoda Williams, CNA.

About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services

July 9, 2026

May 2026 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

graphic showing Samaritan Medical Center's May 2026 recipients of the DAISY and BEE awards.

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for May 2026. 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.

Chastity Davis, an RN in Interventional Radiology at Samaritan Medical Center, was honored with the May DAISY Award. Nominated by Dr. Russell Reeves, Davis was recognized for her extraordinary compassion, exceptional care, and unwavering dedication to ensuring every patient receives safe, high-quality care. Her commitment to honoring each person’s cultural background and individual needs exemplifies the compassion and excellence that define Samaritan’s nursing team.

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Davis 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.

Douglas Collins II, Information Technology Systems Analyst, received the May BEE Award. Nominated by multiple coworkers, Collins was recognized for his outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence during and after the transition to a new Human Resources Information System. His colleagues praised his attention to detail, responsiveness and positive attitude, noting that he approaches every question with enthusiasm and a genuine willingness to help. His exceptional support and teamwork have made a lasting impact on caregivers across the organization.

Collins received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.

###

Above: Samaritan’s May 2026 DAISY Award recipient Chastity Davis, RN, and May 2026 BEE Award recipient Douglas Collins II, Information Technology Systems Analyst.

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 community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

July 8, 2026July 9, 2026

Samaritan Medical Center Receives Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Health and Wellness Award for North Country Lung Health Equity Initiative

image of a provider looking at CT scans of the lung for lung cancer screening

Watertown, NY — Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has awarded Samaritan Medical Center a Health and Wellness Award to launch the North Country Lung Health Equity Initiative, expanding access to potentially lifesaving lung cancer screenings for individuals who are at elevated risk but do not meet current insurance eligibility requirements.

Through the initiative, Samaritan Medical Center will partner with the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Mobile Lung Screening Unit to host free low-dose CT lung cancer screening events throughout the North Country. By bringing the mobile screening unit directly into North Country communities, the program will reduce travel barriers often faced by rural residents while expanding access to preventive care.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in New York State, with approximately 14,000 new cases and nearly 7,000 deaths each year according to the New York State Department of Health. Yet only about 22% of high-risk individuals receive recommended screening. While recent legislation has expanded insurance coverage for many screenings, eligibility is still largely based on age and smoking history, leaving some individuals with significant occupational or environmental exposures without access to covered screening.

“Early detection is one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against lung cancer,” said Samaritan President and CEO Thomas Carman. “We are grateful to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for investing in the health of our community. This initiative will help remove financial and geographic barriers to screening, ensuring more North Country residents have access to early detection and the opportunity for better health outcomes.”

Evidence shows that annual low-dose CT screening for individuals at high risk can reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 20% through earlier detection and treatment. In Jefferson County and the surrounding North Country region, community health data highlights additional risk factors and disparities. According to the Jefferson County Community Health Assessment, approximately 18% of adults report cigarette use—higher than the New York State average—and nicotine use is more common among lower-income residents and those experiencing financial insecurity.

This grant will fund approximately 58 free screenings for individuals whose risk factors fall outside current insurance criteria, including first responders, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, factory workers, and others with exposure to smoke, hazardous materials, or other carcinogens. Funding will also support community education and outreach efforts to raise awareness of lung cancer risk factors, screening opportunities, and available follow-up resources.

Samaritan will promote the initiative through healthcare providers, community organizations, public safety agencies, local media, and its digital platforms to reach eligible individuals throughout the region. The North Country Lung Health Equity Initiative reflects Samaritan Medical Center’s ongoing commitment to improving access to preventive healthcare and reducing health disparities across the communities it serves.

###

Contrast-Enhanced Mammography system expected to be installed by the end of the year

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus award for demonstrating commitment to delivering evidence-based, life-saving stroke care

You are now leaving samaritanhealth.com