SMMCnews
Community Hospital Corporation Announces Celina Fabela as the Recipient of the Dan Wilford Award for Compassion and Community Service
Plano, Texas – Community Hospital Corporation (CHC) is pleased to announce the 2011 recipient of the second annual Dan Wilford Award for Compassion and Community Service. Celina Fabela, a social worker for St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange, Texas, was recognized as an outstanding individual who demonstrates extraordinary care, compassion and concern for the health and welfare of her community.
The award is named for Dan Wilford who retired in 2002 as president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston and was a founding board member of CHC.
“It is my pleasure to present the Dan Wilford Award to Celina,” says Michael D. Williams, CHC’s president and CEO. “Through her service to the community and hospital, Celina shows remarkable concern for the welfare and happiness of patients and the community as a whole.”
Fabela was nominated by staff members of St. Mark’s Medical Center, where she has worked for six years. As a social worker, Fabela interacts with people from all walks of life and champions tirelessly for the rights of the disenfranchised, co-workers say.
Fabela’s commitment to helping others does not end at the close of the workday. She volunteers for a number of organizations advancing worthy causes. She has served as a board member for the Family Crisis Center in Bastrop, TX and currently works as a hotline volunteer for the center. She is a charter board member of the Tejas Healthcare in La Grange. She inspires others to join her in collecting donations for the local food pantry, a charitable school backpack program for underprivileged children, and a Thanksgiving food basket program. She is also an animal rescuer.
Referred to by peers as a selfless “fashionista,” Fabela uses her talents as a jewelry designer to make raffle and auction prizes for hospital and charity fundraisers.
“Celina’s presence in our facility in our little part of the world has certainly made a difference in the lives of many people,” says Laurie Quitta, Director of Medical/Surgical, who along with co-workers nominated Fabela for the award.
At a reception to be held May 26 in Fabela’s honor, Williams will present her with a Waterford crystal bowl, $500 gift card, and a framed certificate of appreciation.
About Community Hospital Corporation
CHC owns and manages 10 hospitals throughout Texas, New Mexico and Nebraska. Community Hospital Consulting, a division of CHC, provides healthcare consulting services to hospitals across the United States.
CHC’s sole mission is to help not-for-profit hospitals remain community-operated and governed. Based in Plano, Texas, the organization provides the resources and experience community hospitals need to improve quality outcomes, patient satisfaction and financial performance. For more information about CHC, please visit the website at www.communityhospitalcorp.com.