Salinas Valley Health Nutrition Services Aide Receives STAR Award

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

January 10, 2023 – A Nutrition Services Aide at Salinas Valley Health (Salinas Valley Health) who epitomizes the phrase “service with a smile” is the latest recipient of the organization’s monthly STAR Award.

Yolanda Salazar Vera first joined the Salinas Valley Health team in 2007 and for the last 15 years has shown a deep commitment to the STAR values of support, teamwork, accountability and respect. Her colleagues weren’t surprised at all when her honor was announced in the hospital cafeteria to cheers and applause. In fact, since Yolanda is part of the tight knit nutrition services team, they had literally baked her a cake for the occasion!

Yolanda’s production manager, Michelle Salvador submitted the nomination for the award writing in part: “Yolanda Salazar is an exemplary employee. She is a dedicated and hardworking employee. She is never late. She hardly calls-in sick and is always available to pick up an extra shift when needed. She is focused on supporting her team and going above and beyond the call of duty.”

For her part, Yolanda humbly accepted the award and remarked that she is proud to be a part of a great team. When asked where she was going to display the glass engraved STAR Award, she quickly replied, “Somewhere important, where I will see it every day – the kitchen.”

Four other staff members at Salinas Valley Health also received nominations for the STAR Award including Cheryl Bacon, Nurse Aide in Patient Care Resources; Stephen Castro, Materials Supply Tech in Materials Management; Anita Gonzalez, Head NS Aide in Nutrition Services; and Jesus Hernandez, Patient Experience Coordinator.

Every month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes two extraordinary employees, one with a DAISY Award (for nurses) and another with a STAR Award (for all staff). Nominations can be submitted by patients, visitors and staff. Nomination forms and drop boxes are located throughout the medical center and online. To learn more about the awards visit Nurse Recognition | Salinas Valley Health.