St. Joseph's/Candler’s (SJ/C) has named Lisa Aliotta as the 2026 James R. Lientz Humanitarian Award recipient.

She has served as a St. Joseph's/Candler Pre-Screening Resource Coordinator for Outpatient Surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital since 1993, but has been with the health system since 1986! The 34th Lientz Award committee selected Aliotta from among 131 of her fellow co-workers representing 68 departments.

At Thursday’s award reception, President & CEO of St. Joseph's/Candler, Paul P. Hinchey shared comments from the co-workers who nominated Aliotta. They described her as someone who always makes sure patients are her top priority. A few words co-workers used to define her character were caring, patient, selfless, empathetic and hardworking.

“She is known for going the extra mile. She calms you down and sets the tone when you are here. She puts you at ease and she is loved by her coworkers in the surgery department,” Hinchey added.

One co-worker shared an example of how Aliotta went out of her way to help a patient secure transportation and a place to stay overnight the day before a serious surgery. She was not obligated to do this for the patient, but she listened to their needs and delivered.

In the words of another co-worker, “Aliotta reminds all of us of what healthcare is truly supposed to be about. She is a humanitarian in the truest sense of the word. She serves without expectation, advocates without hesitation, and gives of herself because she believes every person deserves the opportunity to receive the care they need.”

While Aliotta may not have served on community boards, countless examples were offered of how she regularly connects patients, co-workers, and neighbors with resources to help pay for medicines, secure critical care or have their needs heard and met.

Along with the Lientz Award plaque and pin, Aliotta received a $3,000 honorarium, a one-year parking pass in the location of her choice, a one-month cafeteria meal pass, a 60-minute massage certificate, a St. Joseph’s/Candler-Lientz watch.

Started at Candler Hospital in 1993, the award recognizes an employee’s outstanding display of humanitarian performance akin to that of the late James R. Lientz.

St. Joseph's/Candler is grateful to Aliotta and her fellow nominees. To be nominated means to be recognized as a person who lives our values of compassion, quality, integrity, courtesy, accountability and teamwork.

 

About James R. Lientz:

Lientz served as a Trustee of Candler Hospital beginning in 1959, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1970 to 1991, and as Chairman of Candler Health System Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1992. Among his many notable achievements was his role in securing the current Reynolds Street location of Candler Hospital. Along with his service to St. Joseph’s/Candler, he held leadership roles in various local organizations including the Georgia Infirmary, the Health Planning Council of Savannah, and United Way of the Coastal Empire.