Iredell Health System was recently recognized at the inaugural Charlotte Business Journal Healthcare Hero Awards.
Through its Healthcare Heroes program, Charlotte Business Journal honors local individuals and organizations that drive innovation for the health and betterment of others. At the ceremony, the Charlotte Business Journal honored outstanding individuals who went beyond the call of duty.
Three outstanding Iredell Health System teammates Joseph Mazzola, Pam Gill and Susan Tolle were selected as finalists in three different categories. Among the finalists, Tolle was named a 2022 Healthcare Hero in the Volunteer category.
About the winners and finalists
Susan Tolle, Board of Directors, Iredell Health Foundation; Board of Directors, Iredell Health System; Field Advocate, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Susan Tolle was named a 2022 Volunteer Healthcare Hero for her efforts in suicide prevention and her role in the Iredell Health Foundation. Tolle volunteers serve as local field advocates for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), providing mental health education and resources to schools, community groups, healthcare providers and many others. In a typical month, she gives at least 2-3 presentations on suicide prevention and helps promote four groups in the area – the Aredell County Gun Safety Coalition, Mooresville Suicide Prevention Task Force, Applied Suicide Preventive skills training and CALM training (consultation to acquire lethal means). In 2017, Tolle launched an AFSP chapter in Iredell County. Since starting the local chapter, she has helped launch more than 40 projects and trained more than 4,000 participants in Iredell County. Tolle is also a founding member of the Iredell Health Foundation and serves as its board secretary. She assists with fundraising and planning and plays a vital role in ensuring that necessary funds are used to help individuals in the community who need help paying for health care services they cannot afford. She also serves on the board of directors of Iredell Health System, where she previously served. Tolle is the epitome of a loving soul. Her willingness to serve and passion for vital health care programs has made a huge difference in the community and region.
“I am honored to receive this award in recognition of my efforts. But more importantly, I am very grateful to be recognized child or the work we do. In recent years, we have seen more focus on mental health, and many people will benefit from it.So it’s not just I The award – it’s a recognition that we all need mental health options,” Toller said.
Joseph Mazzola, DO, MBA, CPE, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Iredell Health System.
Joseph Mazzola was named a finalist in the Physician category for his pivotal role in guiding patients, staff and communities throughout the pandemic. Mazzola came to Iredell Health System in early 2020, unaware that the next few years of his career would involve a global pandemic. However, he has proven himself invaluable within the organization, volunteering his time and developing innovative ways to keep people safe. During the pandemic, Mazzola worked with community experts to address concerns and questions about COVID-19 through videos on social media, reaching more than 15,000 people. Mazzola has also played an important role in vaccine management and helping the Iredell Health System vaccinate the community. Through his help and guidance, Ered was able to deliver over 56,000 COVID vaccinations. In addition to his other job responsibilities, Mazzola also serves on the Emergency Command Team.
“It is very humbling to be nominated and selected as a finalist for the Medical Hero recognition. I work with a large family of paramedics whose mission is to ensure the healthcare needs of our community are met,” Mazzola said.
Pam Gill, MHA, RN, CIC, CRNI, Director of Infection Control and Prevention, Iredell Health System.
Pam Gill was named a finalist in the Non-Physician Medical Specialties category. She has been an integral part of the Iredell Health System team for 37 years. As Director of Infection Prevention, she has seen the emergence of new diseases, epidemics, and other healthcare scares—HIV, Ebola, anthrax, SARS, smallpox, and COVID-19, to name a few. She is responsible for ensuring that employees follow specific protocols to prevent unnecessary exposure of themselves, patients and others to diseases and viruses. When COVID-19 first became a concern in China, Gill was concerned that the virus would spread to the United States, and when it did, she stepped forward to lead the group’s response. She provides much-needed COVID-19 education, helping organizations and communities understand what’s going on. By staying up-to-date on guidelines and recommendations, Gill has taken the lead in ensuring that staff understand exactly the protocols to follow when treating patients with COVID-19. And, as the pandemic continues, Jill isn’t slowing down — she’s ready to do what’s necessary to help ensure the organization is prepared for anything that might come.
“I’m honored to have someone think of me for this nomination. However, I consider all healthcare workers who selflessly care for their patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, medical heroes,” Gill said.
Congratulations to these invaluable members of the Iredell Health System team. They truly embody the word “hero”.