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Knox County Health Department's Employee Recognition Program

Knox County Health Department's Congratulations to Vera Polite, Loretta Coleman and Cynthia Jones of KCHD’s Social Services Department., and Trina Gallman from the Community Health/Community Development and Planning Department, who each received “The Essential Piece” Award at the May 1 employee in-service.

Social Services’ terrific trio has accepted challenges that have been put before them and performed all tasks with professionalism and pleasant attitudes. The nomination for this group stated, “With the current economic climate, many folks are seeking help for the first time in their lives. Many people are scared and confused. It is here that these ladies have really shown how much they care for the folks who come to Social Services for assistance. Their calm demeanors and willingness to listen to the patients problems in order to help find the needed resources is one reason I feel they are an essential piece of Social Services and Knox County Health Department. They answer a large volume of calls daily and give helpful information to all who call Social Services and also deal directly with walk up patients and those coming for an appointment. They set appointments and advise the patients what to bring in for their appointments.

Ms. Jones works alone at Cherokee and has a large volume of walk up clients plus added referrals service and the usual busy phone. She does an outstanding job in this capacity. All of these ladies have faced angry or upset patients and have shown to have abilities to calm the patient and provide the services they need. Without these three ladies Social Services would certainly be in a difficult spot.”

Trina Gallman was cited for her multiple talents and what a valuable asset she has become. Her nomination said, “In addition to her routine job responsibilities, Trina often takes on the role of ‘Special Events Coordinator,’ which has given her a wide variety of experiences since she came on board here. The unique quality Trina has that makes her my nomination for the Essential Piece Award is her outstanding willingness to tackle any new project she is given with a smile on her face, a twinkle in her eye, and the words, ‘Yes, I can do that.’ Trina has coordinated technical issues such as overseeing contracts and grant compliance. She has coordinated KCHD’s participation in community events like the Senior Summit, the CARD grant walks and events, Men That Matter Health Screening Day for Fathers and Sons, and the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of HIV and AIDS. Trina also is that extra set of hands you can count on when the going gets crazy and tough — which is quite common in our department.

It is inspiring to see Trina work with community members, and motivate people to make changes in their lives for better health. I have been personally inspired to see her become a very capable and seasoned Public Health Educator in a relatively short amount of time. Trina has an unparalleled level of determination, a positive attitude, and a sustained work ethic that makes her not only valuable to our department, but absolutely essential. I am actually quite humbled to be able to nominate her for this award — she certainly deserves it!”

Please congratulate these public health professionals for an outstanding job and encourage them to proudly wear their award pins each day. The award, represented by a puzzle piece, symbolizes that our employees all have different roles and talents but are intrinsically linked by their commitment to the public we serve.

Knox County Health Department's Congratulations to Betty Farmer with Knox County Health Department Accounting Department for her outstanding contributions to public health in our community. Betty received “The Essential Piece” Award at the April 1, 2009 employee in-service and we encourage them to proudly wear their pins each day. The award, represented by a puzzle piece, symbolizes that our employees all have different roles and talents but are intrinsically linked by their commitment to the public we serve. Betty Farmer

Betty’s nomination cited her spirit as a team player, doing her own work competently and also helping others. Her ability to multi-task was described this way, “Betty may be working in the Accounting Department one minute, with the public in Adult Preventive Health the next, and working in the Mail Room later that day.”

Betty also has taken on the job of a retired co-worker during the hiring freeze and has successfully incorporated new efficiency and effectiveness into that position as well.

Knox County Health Department's Congratulations to three Knox County Health Department employees for their outstanding contributions to public health in our community. Whitney Flanagan, Larry Hutsell and Nikkia Stokes each received “The Essential Piece” Award at the Feb. 2, 2009 employee in-service and we encourage them to proudly wear their pins each day. The award, represented by a puzzle piece, symbolizes how our employees all have different roles and talents but are intrinsically linked by their commitment to the public we serve.

Congratulations to Larry Hutsell, Nikkia Stokes, Whitney Flanagan, pictured here from left to right with KCHD Deputy Director Mark Miller, on their outstanding contributions to public health.

Nikkia Stokes’ nomination describes her as a dedicated, hard working Health Department employee who has a tremendous positive attitude and remains calm no matter what the circumstances. She was praised for her success in taking on the extra duties serving as the central communications hub for the School Influenza Project (FluMist). For four months, Nikkia, who is administrative assistant to the nursing director, interacted with more than 115 schools, head starts, and daycares; triaged calls from parents, school staff, local medical providers and others; assured daily team information and staffing was accurate; worked with the 10 team leaders and core work group to assure they had their necessary information or provided needed assistance. “Nikkia always has a smile on her face and a can-do attitude.”

Whitney Flanagan’s nomination cited her commitment to excellence as Knox County Health Department’s graphic design program manager. It was noted how she quickly became familiar with the staff and the culture, and developed her own style molded to suit the health department’s needs. Her work has included billboards, brochures and the awesome slide show for the Christmas Party; Whitney’s talents extend far and beyond expectations. Perhaps the last line of her nomination says it best, “Whitney is an Essential Piece to KCHD because she allows the outside to get a glimpse of what happens here on the inside with style.”
Mr. Larry Hutsell, director of KCHD’s emergency preparedness department, was praised for being a tremendous team player, offering his assistance to make sure every project or event proceeds smoothly. He is dedicated to keeping our residents and community safe. “His tireless efforts to make the Health Department a leader in emergency response efforts and create community partnerships within the emergency response community are deserving of great praise.”

Congratulations to three Knox County Health Department employees for their outstanding contributions to public health in our community. Bea Cox of Social Services, Pat Hardcastle of CDC and Michelle Hauther of Dental Health have each received "The Essential Piece" Award and we encourage them to proudly wear their pins each day. The award, represented by a puzzle piece, symbolizes how our employees all have different roles and talents, but are intrinsically linked by their commitment to the public we serve.

In her nomination, Bea Cox was cited for her 30-plus years of dedicated service, first as a state employee and now as a Knox County employee. She was compared to the "Little Engine that Could" for her positive attitude and persistence in chipping away barriers that prevent patients from getting the medical care they deserve.

Pat Hardcastle's nomination noted her genuine interest in both patient and employee welfare. As a manager, she has been instrumental in making changes and improvements which enable the Communicable Disease Clinic to operate successfully. She has worked diligently to improve the quality of TB/STD clinics and implemented changes to strengthen the TB Risk Assessment Form so that patients who are not at risk for TB don’t receive a TB skin test.
Michelle Hauther was lauded as a team player, willing to help out anywhere she is needed. Her energy and work ethic has made her popular in the Dental Health Clinic. Her nomination form said, "We love Michelle."