Samaritan Medical Center Archives

August 1, 2025August 1, 2025

SUSAN PETERS NURSE PRACTITIONER SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED

Watertown, New York — Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Susan Peters Scholarship: Olivia Marra and Courtney Sartwell.

Olivia Marra, a Registered Nurse in Samaritan’s Interventional Radiology, Progressive Care Unit (PCU), and Infusion Departments, is pursuing her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. Courtney Sartwell, also a Registered Nurse at Samaritan in the PCU, is continuing her education to become a Nurse Practitioner.

The Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship was established in 2018 to assist with the education costs for Registered Nurses who are continuing their education, specifically to pursue Nurse Practitioner degrees. Two scholarships of $2,000 are awarded each year.

Mrs. Peters graduated from the former House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing and retired from Samaritan Medical Center as a Certified Oncology Nurse; prior to that, she had served as a staff RN and for more than 20 years as a Nurse Manager of Medical/Surgical, Orthopedic and Alternate Level of Care Units. Susan Passed away in 2020.

Nurse Practitioners are able to provide many of the same services as physicians, including developing treatment plans for their patients, ordering tests, performing minor procedures, and prescribing medication.

For more information, please contact the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation at 315-785-4584, visit samaritanhealth.com/scholarships, or email [email protected].

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Pictured from left are Mary Dawley, Oliva Marra, Beth Fipps, Courtney Sartwell, Marie Hess.

July 25, 2025July 25, 2025

Samaritan Medical Center is Nationally Recognized for its Commitment to Providing High-Quality Stroke Care

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines^® – Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care

WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines^® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“Samaritan is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Dr. Mario Victoria, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Samaritan Medical Center. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in the North Country can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Samaritan Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with 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, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

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July 23, 2025July 23, 2025

May 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for May 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who are excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Nigel Mascoll and Joseph Roche, Registered Nurses (RN) at Samaritan Medical Center, received the DAISY Award for May. Crystal Sutton, a Home Health Aide with Samaritan Home Health, received the BEE Award for May.

The DAISY nomination was provided by the family of a patient who highlighted the compassionate care, patience, and calming approach these nurses took while caring for their loved one.

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Mascoll and Roche were presented with certificates commending them as extraordinary nurses. They each received a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Latara Antwine, a Clinical Liaison with Samaritan Home Health, nominated Sutton saying:

“Crystal cares for patients and uplifts her team and strengthens our agency’s mission. She works collaboratively with both nursing and administrative staff to maintain compliance and quality, never hesitating to take on additional work if it means helping the team succeed.”

Sutton was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

These awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and patients, families, or colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Samaritan’s BEE winner for May 2025, pictured on the left, is Home Health Aide Crystal Sutton. Samaritan’s DAISY Winners for May 2025 are Registered Nurses Joseph Roche and Nigel Mascoll, pictured left to 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.

June 13, 2025June 13, 2025

April 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

DAISY and BEE Winners April 2025 Graphic

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for April 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who are excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Roxane Christopher and Alexandra Lillie, Registered Nurses (RN) in the Labor and Delivery unit of Samaritan’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children, received the DAISY Award for April. Toni Rodriguez, a Screening and Visitation Specialist at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award for April.

The DAISY nomination was provided by a patient, Tifany Gill, who stated, “Roxane and Alexendra both deserve the DAISY award. Although they didn’t physically deliver my baby, they made the most traumatic and fearful experience I’ve had in nearly a decade feel like I was experiencing it with support. Both nurses made me feel like I was safe and cared for.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Christopher and Lillie were presented with certificates commending them as extraordinary nurses. They each received a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Rodriguez was nominated by Cindy Oster, a visitor who expressed that Toni’s sincerity and empathy, as well as warm personality make a world of difference to her, and to all visitors and patients of Samaritan Medical Center.

Rodriguez was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

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Samaritan’s DAISY winners for April 2025, pictured on the left, from left to right, are Registered Nurses Alexandra Lillie and Roxane Christopher. The next photo shows the nurses with the nominating family. The BEE winner, pictured next, is Toni Rodriguez, Screening and Visitation Specialist. The final photo shows her with her nominator, Cindy Oster.

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

May 28, 2025May 28, 2025

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Scholarships Applications Available

Watertown, NY — Applications will be accepted for the eighth annual Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship beginning June 1, 2025, and concluding July 15, 2025. A retired nurse from Samaritan Medical Center established a scholarship through the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation for Registered Nurses (RNs) looking to advance their careers as Nurse Practitioners (NPs). Sadly, Peters passed away in 2020, yet this scholarship remains part of her legacy and commitment to healthcare in the community.

The Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship was established in 2018 to assist with the education costs for an RN who is continuing their education, specifically to pursue a Nurse Practitioner degree. Two scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded each year.

Peters graduated from the former House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing and retired from Samaritan Medical Center (SMC) as a Certified Oncology Nurse; prior to that, she had served as a staff RN and for more than 20 years as a Nurse Manager of Medical/Surgical, Orthopedic and alternate level of care units.

Beth Fipps, Vice President of Samaritan Foundation and Community Services, explained, “We are so grateful to Susan for leaving a legacy to a profession she was so committed to. Susan so generously established this scholarship to promote the Nurse Practitioner profession because she felt there is an increasing need for such a role due to the nationwide shortage of healthcare providers.”

Nurse Practitioners provide vital care to patients, including developing treatment plans for their patients, ordering tests, performing minor procedures, and prescribing medication.

The 2024 scholarships awardees were Joseph Donoghue and Cindy Keenan. Joseph is a Registered Nurse in the emergency department at Samaritan Medical Center and obtained his Family Nurse Practitioner degree in December. Cindy is a Registered Nurse at Samaritan and is obtaining her Nurse Practitioner degree.

Again, the application period for the Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship is June 1-July 15, 2025, with the scholarship award announcement set to take place in August 2025.

To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Be a Registered Nurse (RN) with a minimum of two full years’ working experience. RNs currently working for Samaritan Medical Center preferred, but not mandatory.
Medical/Surgical experience preferred but not necessary.
Must be a resident of either Jefferson or Lewis County, New York.
Eligible to apply after successful completion of the first semester in a Nurse Practitioner program with at least a B average.

As part of the application, Registered Nurses must describe why they are pursuing their Nurse Practitioner degree and where, as well as whether they have a financial need. Applicants should submit two letters of recommendation and the two most recent transcripts along with the application to support the RNs pursuit of a Nurse Practitioner degree.

For more information or to obtain a scholarship application, please visit www.samaritanhealth.com/scholarshipapplication or contact the SMC Foundation at 315-785-5785 or visit www.samaritanhealth.com/scholarships. The application can be completed online, emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Samaritan Foundation, Attn: Beth Fipps, 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

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May 27, 2025

Kinney Drugs Raises $54,527 for Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York

Watertown, NY – Since 1992, the Kinney Drugs Foundation has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) to raise funds for children in need of medical care. Samaritan Medical Center is grateful for the dedicated teams at 17 Kinney Drugs locations across the North Country for all they do to help change kids’ health.

During this year’s seven-week campaign, Kinney Drugs raised a total of $54,527 for Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York at Samaritan. Kinney associates collected donations by asking customers to give at the register, organizing contests and special events, and emphasizing the positive impact that every penny makes for local kids.

Samaritan Medical Center is one of 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across North America, raising and allocating funds to improve the health and wellbeing of children in the local community. Every donation stays local to support child-centered areas of Samaritan and to provide financial assistance to families in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties with a child facing a health crisis.

“We truly value our Kinney Drugs partners and appreciate all they do to help local kids,” said Angie VanWormer, Director of Children’s Miracle Network at Samaritan Medical Center. “Each Kinney Drugs location is invested in supporting CMN and their associates are generous with their time and talents. The funds they raise are making an incredible impact on children’s health”

Through their partnership with CMN, Kinney Drugs and the Kinney Drugs Foundation are helping to make miracles happen across the North Country. Their commitment to helping local children is greatly appreciated.

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

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May 15, 2025May 15, 2025

Samaritan Medical Center Foundation Announces the 28th Annual Thousand Islands Golf Classic

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York will host the 28^th annual Thousand Islands Golf Classic event on Thursday & Friday, June 5 & 6, 2025. The presenting sponsor is International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 910 & Northern New York National Electrical Contractors Association.

This year’s event features a dinner, live auction and music on Thursday, June 5, at the Edgewood Resort. On Friday, June 6, enjoy 18 holes of golf at the beautiful Thousand Islands Country Club. Both the old course and lake course will be utilized. Guests do not need to be golfers to attend the dinner, RSVP is required for both.

A portion of this year’s Thousand Islands Golf Classic will support the construction of a new Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) in the hospital, a much-needed resource in the North Country. Funds raised will allow Samaritan to provide life-saving cardiac interventions in a state-of-the-art facility here in Watertown. The new Cardiac Cath Lab will feature Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) capabilities, allowing for rapid and effective treatment of heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions. Currently, patients must travel outside our region to access these critical services, leading to delays in treatment that can negatively impact care. The Cath Lab will significantly improve outcomes for patients experiencing heart attacks, reduce long-term complications, and enhance overall cardiac care. This project will fill a critical need – providing timely, high-quality care that will save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the community’s health for generations. Your continued support will help provide vital services and to ensure quality healthcare is available in our community.

This year’s online auction is open from May 19 until 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 5. The in-person auction takes place at the dinner event on the evening of June 5. The online and in-person auction both feature a wide variety of items such as vacation rentals, event tickets, gift cards for dining and experiences, designer accessories, and more. There truly is something for everyone.

Visit samaritanhealth.com/golf to register for the online auction bidding and to purchase tickets to the dinner and live auction.

April 29, 2025April 29, 2025

February and March 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of DAISY and BEE winners February 2025

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for February and March 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who are excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Allison Howard, a Registered Nurse (RN) in Samaritan’s Emergency Department, received the DAISY Award for February. Heather Berry, a Registered Nurse (RN) in Samaritan’s Surgical Services, received the DAISY Award for March. Beth Hayes, Radiologic Technologist, Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award for February. Veronica (Harley) Plaschka, Central Sterilization Technician in Samaritan’s Surgical Services, received the BEE Award for March.

Howard’s nomination was provided by the parent of a patient who expressed their gratitude for compassion and advocacy of their loved one during their time at the hospital.

Berry was nominated by a colleague who explained the nurse’s commitment to helping others and dedication to the profession.

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Howard and Berry were presented with certificates commending them as extraordinary nurses. They each received a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Hayes was nominated by a colleague for being helpful and being a champion for care for all the patients she encounters. She was acknowledged for her willingness to learn and desire to improve her own career through education and training.

Plaschka was nominated by a colleague who expressed the importance of a job well done by someone who works behind the scenes to ensure quality and patient safety through proper cleansing of surgical instruments.

Both awardees were presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

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Allison Howard, RN DAISY Winner February 2025

Pictured here, from left to right, are Beth Hayes, February 2025 BEE Awardee, Allison Howard, February 2025 DAISY Awardee, Heather Berry, and Veronica Plaschka, March 2025 DAISY and BEE Awardees. Congratulations.

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

April 21, 2025April 21, 2025

February 2025 OWL Award Recipients

Graphic of Mercy Goodridge, CNA and Chad Wilson, Food Services

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its outstanding workers in long term care (OWL) Award recipients for February 2025.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Mercy Goodridge at Samaritan Summit Village and Food Service Worker Chad Wilson at Samaritan Keep Home won the OWL Award for their respective facilities.

Goodridge was nominated for the OWL Award by a resident who expressed their appreciation:

“She cares about the details. She is the most gentle and caring person I know. She is patient.”

Wilson was nominated for the OWL Award by a fellow caregiver who said:

“Chad shows up every day and gives his all to improve our residents’ meals and lives. His caring nature and dedication make him a valuable employee.”

Goodridge and Wilson received certificates and appreciation tokens during recognition ceremonies at their respective facilities.

These awards will be presented throughout the year. Patients, families, and colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To nominate someone or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY, BEE, and OWL Awards, please visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Mercy Goodridge, CNA at SSV, earns the February 2025 OWL Award

Chad Wilson, SKH Food Services Worker, earns the February 2025 OWL Award

Pictured here, from left to right, are February 2025 OWL awardees Mercy Goodridge, CNA, and Chad Wilson, Food Service.

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.

April 1, 2025April 1, 2025

January 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of January 2025 Daisy and Bee Award Winners

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for January 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who are excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Briana Gryglik, a Registered Nurse (RN) in Samaritan’s Emergency Department, received the DAISY Award, and Janeen Lee, clinic office support at the Adams Family Health Center, received the BEE Award.

Gryglik’s nomination stemmed from a patient encounter while she was a Graduate Nurse (GN) in Samaritan’s Progressive Care Unit (PCU). The person who nominated Gryglik expressed thanks for her attentiveness and compassionate care.

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Gryglik was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Lee was nominated for the BEE Award by Donna Edwards, Operations Manager for the Adams Family Health Center, saying:

“She is extremely patient-centered and puts so much effort into ensuring that a high standard of care is given to each and every one of our patients.”

Lee was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

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Photo of Janeen Lee, January 2025 BEE award winner

Pictured here, from left to right, are January 2025 awardees Briana Gryglik, Registered Nurse, and Janeen Lee, clinic office support.

About Samaritan Medical Center

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

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