Donna Bertram is the first WE CARE award honoree
From Jones Memorial Hospital,
Jones Memorial announced the first of many WE CARE Champions to be recognized this week. The WE CARE Champion program began in 2026 to recognize all of the many different associates within the hospital and the medical practices who show commitment and dedication to customer service and patient care every day.
The WE CARE Champion award for the first quarter of 2026 was presented to Donna Bertram, Phlebotomist and Specimen Processor in our Lab Department. Donna was nominated for the WE CARE Champion award by a patient’s family for her compassionate care and willingness to do what was needed to help a patient and their family get through a stressful situation.
The patient’s family member noted, “I have had such a difficult time getting blood work done for [my son]…the last time was so traumatic for him, us and the lab. Donna was so open to what we needed to get this done, she was so compassionate to our needs…We could not have asked for a more positive experience for him and us.”
Kris Green, Vice President of Human Resources stated, “We are thrilled to recognize our associates with this new program and hope it gives our community a new way to show their appreciation for staff that go above and beyond to provide exceptional service. Donna is an asset to our team and our community and I’m proud to honor her with this recognition.”
Donna received an award certificate, trophy, t-shirt and a dedicated parking space for the WE CARE Champion for the quarter.
The Jones Memorial WE CARE Champion is defined as any associate who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to the Jones Memorial mission, commitment to coworkers, and Code of Conduct in one or more of the following ways:
- Considers first the well-being of our patients by demonstrating compassion and caring
- Conducts all interactions with patients, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers, and any other individual in a courteous, honest and respectful manner
- Always demonstrates ethical and professional behavior while anticipating and resolving customer issues
- Shows a true commitment to coworkers
Cierra Dean, RN, BSN, WE CARE Champion committee chair, led the award presentation. The ceremony was attended by the lab department team members, Kris Green, VP of Human Resources, JMH Hospital Administration, and multiple staff.
The WE CARE Champion program was created in 2026 to highlight and recognize outstanding associates across the organization who exemplify the organization’s WE CARE values – Wellness, Empathy, Commitment, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. This unique program allows any staff member to be recognized by anyone – staff, patient or community member.
To nominate an associate or staff member for the WE CARE Champion award, simply scan the QR codes located throughout the hospital or visit jones.urmc.edu.
