Jennifer Wager, John J. Herman and Lisa Roberts pose for a photo at the CEO and Live Your Legacy Award Reception
At Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, impacting and improving the lives of those we serve is more than just a job, it’s our calling. We believe in continuous discovery, constantly pursuing our best, and personally investing in our community and one another. Each year, the health system celebrates the exceptional work of those who continually go above and beyond in pursuit of our mission through the Live Your Legacy Awards and the CEO Award.
Centered on the philosophy when we Live Our Legacy, we live our passion, best and commitment, the Live Your Legacy Awards recognize one individual and one team whose actions, accomplishments and attitude exceed expectations for our patients, colleagues and community.
The CEO Award, LG Health’s highest honor, recognizes a team or teams for achievements that support the organization’s Mission, Vision and operational goals. Focusing on the health system’s strategic dimensions of performance – quality, people, experience, access and finance, the CEO Award measures specific sustainable results that positively impact patients, employees, and the community.
“Both of these awards celebrate our colleagues for their exceptional work and the legacy they are building at LG Health,” said John J. Herman, CEO, during the award ceremony held in June. “As we meet our 2022 award winners, you will notice a common theme emphasizes the power of teamwork.”
Live Your Legacy – Individual Award
When Jennifer Wagner, director, Nursing Primary Care, learned she was the recipient of the Individual Live Your Legacy Award, her initial reaction was to credit her team.
“Jen is always looking for ways to build up her team. I constantly hear her giving credit to her team for her successes,” said Lisa Roberts, RN, Lancaster General Health Physician’s Family Medicine – Lititz, who nominated Wagner for the individual Live Your Legacy Award.
Roberts, who went on to describe Wagner as a true servant leader, said “[Wagner] provides her team with individualized support and attention, relentlessly pursues process improvements that enhance the patient experience while creating a safer work environment and encourages the development of all her team members.”
Live Your Legacy – Team Award
John J. Herman presents the Microbiology Laboratory team with the Live Your Legacy - Team Award
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Microbiology Laboratory team at LG Health processed about 69,000 specimens annually.
In 2020, that number – now including COVID-19 testing – climbed to 110,000 specimens; and in 2021, the number of specimens reached more than 248,000.
Despite the increasing demand for their skills, the team continually demonstrated their commitment to their colleagues and community, displaying resilience and determination despite staffing shortages and changing protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What continually gave our team perspective was remembering that each specimen represented a person who needed help – for example, a community member who reached out regarding expedited testing to attend a family funeral in Africa,” said Ann Horning, manager, Diagnostic, Laboratory. “The teamwork that went into coordinating and processing that specimen in time for the community member to make the flight was incredible,” she continued.
CEO Award
The Community Vaccination Center team poses with their CEO Award, along with John J. Herman.
Nearly a year after the first COVID-19 cases reached Lancaster, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and fellow community organizations and leaders faced a significant challenge – quickly and safely vaccinate our community against COVID-19.
On March 10, 2021, the Vaccinate Lancaster Coalition, led by LG Health, opened the Community Vaccination Center at Park City Center in Lancaster.
“After more than a year of isolation and loneliness, our team believed the vaccine could bring us back in touch with each other,” said Judi Brendle, interim director, Recruitment & Talent Acquisition.
The team, which included staff from across our health system, including physicians, nurses and non-clinical staff members, administered 238,206 COVID-19 vaccines in three months.
“Every team member demonstrated passion and commitment to the greater good,” Brendle continued. “For us, the vaccine was the ‘shot of hope’ we needed to keep moving forward.”