Sentara Health

When serious injuries happen, every minute matters. That's why we're proud to announce that Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center has earned Provisional Level III Adult Trauma Center designation, helping expand access to advanced trauma care for patients in Williamsburg and surrounding communities. The designation fills a critical gap in trauma services between Newport News and Richmond, giving EMS providers and patients a closer option for receiving trauma care. This milestone reflects years of dedication from team members across the hospital. Through extensive training, continuing education, and collaboration, clinical and support staff have worked to build and sustain a trauma program capable of providing high-quality care for injured patients. Their commitment helped make this achievement possible and strengthens our ability to serve the Historic Triangle community for years to come.

While most people see cancer awareness months as dates on a calendar, Toniah Harrison, Sentara Cancer Health Educator, sees opportunities to educate, provide cancer screenings, and support her community. 🎗️ With Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September, Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, and Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, she's on the move meeting people where they are, whether that's at a screening event, a health fair, an education session, or a support group.

Congratulations to Nicole Lawson on being named the 2026 DAISY Nurse Educator of the Year at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital. 🌼 Nurse educators play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare by supporting professional growth, strengthening clinical knowledge and fostering excellence across care teams. Nicole has been recognized for her dedication to helping others learn, grow and succeed. Through mentorship, innovative learning experiences and unwavering encouragement, she empowers nurses to build confidence in their skills and continue advancing their practice. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom. By investing in the development of caregivers, she helps strengthen patient care and support positive outcomes for the communities we serve. Thank you, Nicole, for your leadership, commitment to education and dedication to nursing excellence.

Last week, Sentara participated in the 2026 American Heart Association Heart Walk at Anglers Park in Danville, where 232 walkers representing 44 teams came together in support of heart health. Collectively, 16 organizations raised more than $105,000 to advance research, education, and lifesaving programs focused on preventing and treating heart disease and stroke. As part of the event, team members connected with community members, shared information about available health plan benefits and resources, and strengthened relationships with local organizations committed to improving health outcomes across the region. Sentara was also recognized as a Heart Saver Hero for its contributions and commitment to this important cause. Thank you to the American Heart Association Virginia, community partners, volunteers, and participants who continue working to advance heart health and create a healthier future for all.

During Sickle Cell Awareness Month, we're proud to highlight the impact of the 33rd Annual Walk for Sickle Cell, "Every Step Counts," held September 12 at Norfolk State University. The community-wide event brought together more than 600 participants and raised more than $31,000 to support individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease throughout Eastern Virginia. These funds help provide critical assistance, including transportation to medical appointments, rent and utility support, medication co-pays, food assistance, educational scholarships, and other emergency resources. The event also raises awareness of sickle cell disease, promotes education around available treatments and services, and connects families with ongoing support. The walk is a powerful example of what can happen when community organizations, healthcare advocates, sponsors, volunteers, and families unite around a shared purpose. Thank you to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. — National and all those who participated in helping shine a light on sickle cell disease and support those living with its impact every day. #SickleCellAwarenessMonth

When the United Way calls for a Day of Caring, Sentara answers! Last week, more than 245 Sentara employees across our South Hampton Roads region volunteered with 14 community organizations, completing dozens of projects that ranged from painting and landscaping, mopping floors and cleaning bathrooms, to serving seniors and packing up boxes of food. What stands out: the breadth of participation. Colleagues from Sentara IT worked alongside teams from our hospitals, our health plan, our corporate offices, our finance department, our medical group, and more — united by a shared commitment to serving our community. And this was just one region. Sentara teams also participated in Day of Caring events across Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, the Virginia Peninsula, and the Albemarle throughout the month of September. That's the power of people coming together.💙 #SentaraCares #2026DayOfCaring

When your child has been hospitalized for more than three weeks, trust means everything. For one family at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, that trust was found in DAISY Award winner Laura Mitchell, BSN, RN. Throughout their son's recovery from emergency surgery, Laura became much more than a nurse. She was a steady presence during difficult nights, a compassionate advocate when concerns arose, and a source of reassurance when a parent couldn't be at the bedside. "Knowing Laura was caring for my son gave me the confidence to leave the hospital for a few hours and care for my other children at home. I knew he was in good hands," the parent said. From proactively addressing concerns with physicians to checking in before the call button was even pressed, Laura consistently went above and beyond. Her commitment left a lasting impression on a family during one of the most challenging times of their lives. Congratulations, Laura, on this well-deserved DAISY Award, and thank you for the exceptional care you provide every day! 🌼

Congratulations to three exceptional leaders stepping into expanded roles at Sentara! Meredith Strand, Zishan Siddiqui, and Thuy Tran-Korns have demonstrated strategic vision, unwavering commitment, and the kind of leadership that moves organizations forward. From advancing our oncology and imaging services to strengthening our cybersecurity posture in an increasingly complex threat environment, each are helping to shape Sentara's future.

When Benny Brocato was recovering from multiple surgeries, he found himself at one of the lower points in his life. "I hit my rock bottom," Benny said. "I retreated into my shell and got more and more depressed." Then he met nurse Willie Scott. Benny credits Willie with helping change his outlook during a difficult chapter, bringing encouragement, conversation, and compassion when he needed it most. It's exactly the kind of impact Willie hoped to make when he decided to change the course of his own life. Just a few years ago, Willie wasn't a nurse at all. He was a supply chain warehouse associate at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, delivering medical supplies throughout the hospital and watching nurses care for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. Inspired by what he saw, Willie began pursuing a career in healthcare. Despite years of self-doubt stemming from academic struggles in high school, he took a chance on himself. He became a Patient Care Technician, earned his nursing degree with the help of Sentara's tuition assistance program, graduated with honors, and passed the NCLEX. Today, he's a registered nurse. Colleagues describe him as one of the most kind-hearted people on the unit and patients remember him for the way he makes them feel seen, supported, and cared for. Willie's story is a reminder that investing in people can change lives in more ways than one. Because when he was given the opportunity to grow, patients like Benny felt the impact.

A lot can happen between clocking in and clocking out on 5R at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Over the course of a shift, our nurses may care for patients recovering from a stroke, undergoing epilepsy monitoring, or taking the next steps after neurosurgery. Some patients are arriving with new challenges. Others are working toward recovery. No two patients are exactly alike, and neither are the days spent caring for them.