Spotlight on the Staff: Edith Avalos
Every year, the Providence healthcare system honors caregivers who exemplify their core values of compassion, dignity, justice, excellence, and integrity. The prestigious Values In Action Award is the highest honor at Providence, recognizing those who are exceptionally devoted to making a difference in the lives of patients.
Out of thousands who are nominated by fellow caregivers throughout seven states, only a handful are chosen to receive the Values In Action Award. This year, Welcome Baby Outreach Specialist Edith Avalos at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills received this recognition, thanks to the nomination and heartfelt words of her manager, Maria Magaña.
Maria took the time to highlight Edith’s work over the years in her nomination letter, with a particular emphasis on a family Edith supported last year:
“Edith has developed strong relationships with community partners and providers, who have come to depend on her to meet the needs of their patient populations by connecting them with education, support, and referrals provided by Welcome Baby. She is out in the community daily, not only promoting Welcome Baby but also our Labor and Delivery department. Her passion for helping those in greatest need is always evident in the effort she puts into listening to patients’ concerns and needs. Recently, she helped a pregnant woman access much-needed support by connecting her to an agency that could assist with basic needs such as furniture, baby equipment, and clothing. Though this woman ultimately did not deliver with us, that was not Edith’s focus. She was moved to help this woman and her family because she took the time to listen with great empathy and compassion. All she saw was a woman who needed extra support and guidance. This type of behavior is the norm for Edith.”
Edith says receiving this award is deeply humbling. “I am entering my 6-year anniversary this week with Welcome Baby and I could not be happier,” Edith says. “I hope to continue to help support families in any way I can.”
Thanks, Edith, for all your wonderful work with families in L.A. County over the years!
Welcome Baby
- WelcomeBabySupport.org: Learn more about the free Welcome Baby program.
- Do you know someone who is pregnant and planning to deliver at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills? Tell them to contact Edith and her team — call (818) 496-4173 — to get Welcome Baby’s free resources and support.
- Delivering at another hospital? See if your hospital offers the free Welcome Baby program.