MERIDIAN —     Rush Health Systems recently named employees of the year for Rush Foundation Hospital, Medical Foundation, Inc., The Specialty Hospital of Meridian, Rush Medical Group, Laird Hospital, H.C. Watkins Hospital, and Scott Regional Hospital according to Chuck Reece, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Rush Health Systems.

    Lasondra Mercer, a Patient Care Tech was named Employee of the Year for Rush Foundation Hospital. Mercer was chosen by her co-workers for her dedication to patients, positive attitude, commitment to excellence and enthusiasm. She has been employed with Rush for three years. She is married to the Rev. Larry Mercer, who is the Associate Pastor at Greater Outreach Missionary Baptist Church. They have three daughters and five grandchildren.

    Frances Hardy, a Patient Care Tech was named The Specialty Hospital Employee of the Year. Hardy was chosen because she is an exemplary employee who is loved by patients and staff. She has worked with Specialty for 14 years. Hardy is a faithful member of Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church and has multiple church roles. In her spare time she enjoys reading, listening to gospel music, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.

    Jean Savell, Medical Assistant for the Family Medical Group of Union was named The Specialty Hospital Clinics employee of the year. Savell was chosen because of her superior customer service. She has been employed with Rush for 11 years. She is an active member of Bluff Springs Baptist Church where she is the pianist and Sunday school teacher. Savell is married to Randolph Savell and they have two daughters and three grandchildren.   

    Stan Nelson, a Runner was named Rush Medical Group employee of the year. Nelson was chosen because of his dedication and commitment to his job. He has been employed with Rush for two years. Nelson is an active member of Chunky Baptist Church and enjoys meeting people and working in the yard. He is married to Ruth Nelson and they have four children and eight grandchildren.

    Cathy Russell, a coder at Clark Clinic in Morton, is the Medical Foundation, Inc. employee of the year. Russell was chosen for her extraordinary commitment and dedication to her job. She has been employed with Clark Clinic for seven years. Russell enjoys camping, reading, and spending time with her granddaughters. She is married to Jessie Russell and they have a daughter, son, and two grandchildren.

    Rava Patterson was named Laird Hospital employee of the year. Patterson was chosen because of her willingness to go beyond her job duties and dedication to her job. She has been employed with Laird Hospital for 23 years. Patterson enjoys knitting, sewing, and crocheting. She is married to John Patterson.

    Lisa Graham, a Registration/Admissions Clerk was named H.C. Watkins Memorial Hospital employee of the year. Graham was chosen because of her dedication to her job. She has been employed with Watkins Hospital for seven years. Graham is a member of Cooper’s Chapel Methodist Church.  She is married to Ricky Graham and they have a son and daughter.

    Keri Bradford, a Medicare Representative/Admissions Clerk was named Scott Regional Hospital employee of the year. Bradford was chosen because of her hard work and dedication to her job and has been employed with Scott Regional Hospital for eight years. She is married to Rob Bradford and they have one daughter and are expecting their second daughter in April.

    Rush Health Systems is headquartered in Meridian, with health care facilities in East Mississippi and West Alabama. The organization includes Rush Foundation Hospital, Specialty Hospital, Medical Foundation, Inc., and Rush Medical Group of Meridian, Laird Hospital in Union, H.C. Watkins Hospital in Quitman, and Scott Regional Hospital in Morton.