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B8 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 HEALTHCARE HEROES | 2024 Awards Good, quality HIV care with high rates of viral suppression means fewer new cases of HIV in the state of Connecticut and beyond. I am immeasurably proud of this work and hold to the goals of ending the HIV epidemic through acces- sible and quality HIV care. Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome. As a community health clinic, there have been challenges in making sure we are all offering equitable and LGBTQ+ competent care. When I first came to the clinic several transgender patients had reported being misgendered and/or dead named by staff. Out of these unfortunate instances, I implemented teaching for all nursing staff. Asking for patient pronouns is now a required part of medical assistant rooming work flow and pronouns have been made more visible in the electronic health record, leading to more equitable and dignified treatment of the patients we serve. Winner Category | Nurse Kellie Hale Fair Haven Community Health Center Lead Clinician for HIV and Gender Affirming Medicine K ellie Hale is the lead clinician serv- ing as the only medical provider servicing people living with HIV at Fair Haven Community Health Center. She is in charge of the clinical aspects of gender-affirming medicine, HIV preven- tion and Hepatitis C. What have been your significant contributions to your organization? I have increased the amount of patients receiving Pre Exposure Prophy- laxis (PrEP) medication to prevent HIV from 60 to 135 in one year. is was achieved by identifying patients at risk and fostering strong partnerships with local community advocacy groups. I volunteer at APNH offering gender-af- firming hormone education to their trans- gender support group. I have educated Fair Haven clinicians on topics of PrEP and gender-affirming medicine and have implemented PrEP clinics for clinicians to shadow to help achieve this aim. As the sole HIV specialist at my clinic and managing a large panel of HIV-posi- tive patients, I have initiated HIV care for an additional 22 patients in the past year, many of whom are uninsured or unin- surable with many other comorbidities and complex socioeconomic factors. was a difficult time due to the amount of confusion and lack of supplies. Amongst the chaos, I was able to finish nursing school and start as a new graduate nurse during the pandemic on this floor. What's your next major goal? My next major goal is to continue with my education to become a family nurse practitioner. Personal Side Residence: Waterbury Favorite ways to relax: Reading, podcasts, documentaries Hobbies: Bodybuilding, reptile keeping, visiting museums, concerts Favorite movie: "Jurassic Park" Currently reading: "e Giver," by Lois Lowry Fun fact: I own a 6-foot Ghost Boa Constrictor called Jasper. Winner Category | Nurse Pedro Hernandez IV Yale New Haven Hospital Registered Nurse Medicine/Observation P edro Hernandez IV is a registered nurse who works in medicine and observation units at Yale New Haven Hospital's St. Raphael's campus. He works as a floor and charge nurse, as well as a preceptor for new oncoming staff. What makes you a Healthcare Hero? Sacrifice makes anyone in the health field a hero. It's the ability to put another before yourself in the hope to better their quality of life and doing what's right to the best of your ability no matter what. Because of this mindset and my passion for nursing, I was presented the PEACE (Patient Experience Award for Caring and Excellence) award in June 2024. I work closely with many disci- plines at my job including nursing floor staff, management, and Yale doctors to ensure that my patients, staff and visitors are safe and cared for properly. Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome. I started at St. Raphael's as a clinical technician on my main floor. During this time, I was in nursing school and the COVID pandemic started. My main unit was the designated COVID floor. is Congratulations to the HBJ Winners! Meghan Rickard meghan@compumail.net 860-628-2770 298 Captain Lewis Dr. Southington, CT 06489 compumail.net