Environmental Services Aide Receives STAR Award

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

Environmental Services Aide Juana Ponce has received the STAR Award for her exceptional work ethic, dedication, and compassion towards patients and staff. Juana exemplifies our Salinas Valley Health STAR values- Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect. She joined our healthcare system 19 years ago and received the STAR Award in a special surprise ceremony on Wednesday.

“I was really surprised! I was not expecting this recognition. I’m very grateful, this means a lot to me,” said Juana Ponce, Environmental Services Aide. “I enjoy my job and working with my colleagues. When I go in to a patient’s room and notice they need something, I immediately alert the nursing staff.”

“Juana is so deserving of a STAR award. She is kind, caring and has the most nurturing presence of any individual I’ve seen,” expressed Christa McDowell, Director of Environmental Services. “She comes in every shift with a positive can-do attitude and is always willing to go above and beyond for our patients and her team members. Her support for the Environmental Services Department is unmatched and we are so very fortunate to have her on our team.”

Several outstanding employees received STAR Award nominations for the month of August including Ana Torres-Garcia, Angela Galope, Rene Rodriguez, Daisy Ortiz and Eric Raygoza. 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.