Good News to Share: “Pop-Up Appreciation” for the staff at Marian Extended Care Center to lift spirits during these trying times

SANTA MARIA, CA – May 15, 2020 – During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been heightened awareness about the vulnerable population at skilled nursing facilities. In appreciation for all the tireless work the staff at Dignity Health’s Marian Extended Care Center (MECC) are doing for these fragile patients, the MECC Director of Nursing, Jill Ledbetter decided to surprise the staff of 110 members with a picnic-themed meal. Ledbetter and MECC Senior Director,  Debbie Mockler-Young, coordinated, paid for and served the staff fried chicken, potato salad, biscuits, and cookies; a pop-up appreciation event!  

Jill and Debbie have been stocking snacks daily for the staff at MECC since the pandemic began. They have also been making sure the break room is a relaxing environment, but they wanted to go the extra mile and surprise them with a comforting meal. 

“Our staff are a tight knit group who love a good potluck, but with COVID-19 we’ve had to enforce social distancing and discretion with sharing food items,” says Jill Ledbetter. “We decided dishing up a surprise meal filled with comfort foods and encouraging camaraderie during this difficult time was the best way to show we honor and value our staff’s hard work.”  

Marian Extended Care Center is a 95-bed skilled nursing center providing sub-acute health care for individuals in need of short-term, intermediate, or long-term care. Marian Extended Care is located across the street from Marian Regional Medical Center, and provides its patients and residents with immediate access to the finest routine and emergency medical care on the Central Coast. 

 

[Photos: Left - Jill Ledbetter and Debra Mockler-Young Distribute a Meal to Nelia Sagisi, CNA, Right - Jill Ledbetter and Debra Mockler-Young Distribute a Meal to Aurora Ubaldo, CNA]

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About Marian Regional Medical Center
Marian Regional Medical Center is a technologically advanced, 191-bed facility that provides safe, quality care. Marian is designated a STEMI Receiving Center and is designated a Level III Trauma Center. The facility has achieved prestigious designation as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission for advanced, comprehensive care.