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A leader known for selflessly doing extra for both co-workers and vulnerable patients was honored as St. Joseph’s/Candler’s 26^th James R. Lientz Humanitarian Thursday.

Jilda Brown has been the SOURCE program’s manager in the Baxley, Ga. office since 2000.

She is such a servant-leader in the mold of James R. Lientz, a former Candler Hospital Board Chairman and community activist, that Brown’s entire office came together to write the nomination.

“We believe that Jilda truly follows the mission ‘Rooted in God's love, we treat illness and promote wellness for all people.’ The values include compassion, quality, integrity, courtesy, accountability, and teamwork. She is our own Hometown Hero.”

The St. Joseph’s/Candler SOURCE (Service Options Using Resources in Community Environments) program monitors the health care of Medicaid and Medicare patients, many of whom are older or disabled and with limited income. It strives to keep those with chronic conditions healthy and living independently while improving their health outcomes.

“I am just so humbled and so surprised by this,” Brown said. “When I found out that my entire team nominated me, that is what meant the most to me.”

The Lientz Award includes a $3,000 check, a cafeteria pass, a parking pass, a SJ/C watch, a massage certificate and the prestigious Lientz Pin. 70 co-workers were nominated for the honor this year.

“I think it speaks volumes that Jilda’s entire team came together to nominate her,” said Paul P. Hinchey, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s/Candler. “She helps people in underserved communities in rural areas. She goes to homes and burns a lot of miles to make sure these people aren’t hospitalized. She is very well known and very well regarded in this health system.”

The co-workers who nominated her describe Jilda as being a champion both for them and for the patients that she serves in the SOURCE program.

“During a recent Christmas she contacted a local band about putting a Secret Angel Tree up for our members who are needy and wouldn't have received anything for Christmas otherwise. This was very uplifting for our members.”

Another co-worker added: “She is a Sunday School teacher in her church. She has been active in plays and other church activities. For a Valentine’s Day she conducted a ‘Newly Wed Game’ for the elderly in the church. Our Lord Jesus Christ shines through her soul and through the body of works she does.”

Another said: “I can say that I consider Jilda to be a person of integrity.  I do not work with her on a day to day basis.  In my contact with her, she is always willing to listen and help if she is able.  I feel that if Mr. Lientz were here today, he would approve of this nomination!”

Brown, of Baxley, Ga., is active in her church, Memorial Free Will Baptist, has worked with the United Way to get nutritionals and incontinence supplies for SOURCE’s elderly and disabled members, served on the Community Advisory Board with Appling Health Care System, coordinates with local business and individuals to help provide for needy individuals during the holidays, is a part of the Foster Child Program, collecting supplies for them and more.

 

About the Lientz Award:

Each year, St. Joseph's/Candler presents one co-worker with the award that reflects the humanitarian works of the late James R. Lientz, a former Candler Hospital Board Chairman and community activist. Recipients are nominated by their peers. A health system committee selects the recipient based on the candidate’s exemplification of the health system’s mission and values. The mission is “Rooted in God's love, we treat illness and promote wellness for all people." The values include compassion, quality, integrity, courtesy, accountability, and teamwork.