Every day across the state of Iowa, more than 72,000 individuals work at hospitals and could be considered a hero by their contribution to their communities and selfless service.
To recognize and promote these individuals, the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) has awarded 100 employees since 2007 with the Iowa Hospital Hero Awards. This year 10 individuals will be recognized from across the state as the 2018 IHA Hospital Heroes.
Dallas County Hospital is proud to announce Lupita Chavez will receive this honor at the next IHA annual meeting held in the fall in Des Moines.
Lupita has worked at Dallas County Hospital for 17 years as an LPN but most recently has transitioned to a Hispanic outreach coordinator. She teaches multiple classes throughout Dallas County Hospital and the community promoting health and wellness.
Over the past two years, Lupita’s work has expanded to facilitating Prevent T2 classes in both English and Spanish, teaching diabetes self-management classes and conducting low-impact aerobics, Zumba and high-intensity interval training classes at Dallas County Hospital.
Lupita was nominated for her impact to our community through her commitment to Dallas County Hospital’s mission, to improve the health of the people we serve and leadership with the research study called Abriendo Caminos.
Abriendo Caminos is a Dallas County Hospital and Iowa State University partnered study which focuses on educating Mexican families on healthy diet and the importance of exercise.
Lupita, also, impacts newly diagnosed diabetic patients who speak Spanish by coaching them through insulin therapy, self-monitoring, insurance information, and finding resources if needed.
“We are very proud of Lupita. She is allowing us to expand our reach to people in our community we previously had few wellness resources to offer,” said Sally Swenson, Dallas County Hospital education manager.
The IHA is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business, government and consumer audiences. All of Iowa’s 118 community hospitals are IHA members.
Macinzie McFarland is the community relations and marketing manager at the Dallas County Hospital.
