Merit Health Central Names Employee and Managers of the Year

12/17/2019

Merit Health Central has named its 2019 employee and managers of the year. Erica Smith, BSN, RN, CIC, infection control coordinator, was named Employee of the Year. Jan Cossitt, emergency medical services coordinator, was named Non-Clinical Manager of the Year. Elvie Willis, MSW, LCSW, director of behavioral health services, was named Clinical Manager of the Year. These awards are the highest honor bestowed on hospital staff members and were announced at a special ceremony in December.

“The ability to excel in the healthcare arena requires a unique combination of compassion, skills and talents, combined with the ability to work well under pressure, said Barry Moss, Merit Health Central chief executive officer. “Surpassing all these traits, the desire to help others is exemplified in these employees. We are proud to be able to recognize Erica, Jan and Elvie for their dedication to our patients and staff and for quest for excellence in everything they do.”

Erica Smith, 2019 Employee of the Year
Smith joined Merit Health Central in 2018 and currently serves as infection control coordinator. She oversees the hospital’s infection prevention and control program and is heavily involved with the hospital’s Joint Commission readiness operations. Co-workers say she has a strong passion for patient care and safety. Having someone with Smith’s expertise to enforce and enhance infection control standard practices and implement new measures has already resulted in significant progress in this vitally-important area of the hospital’s operations.

Jan Cossitt, 2019 Non-Clinical Manager of the Year
As coordinator of emergency medical services, Cossitt is responsible for growing EMS visits and volume and maintaining strong relations with providers and patients. She serves as the hospital’s Community Cares Champion and oversees volunteer services and customer relations. Cossitt’s co-workers describe her as the hospital’s “cheerleader,” both internally and in the surrounding communities. Her infectious personality and sunny nature make her a favorite of staff and patients. She has been named volunteer and ambassador of the year by the City of Clinton and Clinton Chamber, respectively. Cossitt has been in her role at the hospital since 2014.

Elvie Willis, MSW, LCSW, 2019 Clinical Manager of the Year
Willis is the director of behavioral health services and has been employed at Merit Health Central since 2006. She does not seek accolades or praise for herself, but instead, chooses to measure success based on the positive outcomes for the patient population she serves. Willis’ staff members say she is never too busy to stop and listen to others, then uses the information to serve as an advocate for patients, families and caregivers. She serves as a valued member of several local and state advocacy and advisory boards and is an adjunct instructor at Hinds Community College and Jackson State University.

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