UP Health System – Bell Honors Med-Surg Unit Director Yvonne Anderson, RN, with 2024 Mercy Award

UP Health System – Bell (UPHS – Bell) is pleased to announce Yvonne Anderson, RN, director of the Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) Unit, has been recognized as its 2024 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

Established in 2001, the Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

"Yvonne’s dedication to her staff, our patients and their families is commendable," said Mitch Leckelt, chief executive officer, UPHS – Bell. “Not only does she have excellent clinical knowledge, but also a bedside manner that goes above and beyond. She always leads by example and inspires others to work hard, be compassionate and do the right thing. She’s a true champion of patient care.”  

Yvonne has been part of the UPHS – Bell family for 45 years, starting as a registered nurse in the Pediatric and Med-Surg Units, working her way to assistant manager and then her current position as director.

Known by her staff as a selfless leader and encouraging mentor, Yvonne never hesitates to step in and lend a helping hand and always sees things through until the end. She received three nominations for this year’s Mercy Award—a strong indicator of how deserving she is of this honor.

“Yvonne is an excellent nurse in all the technical aspects and also exemplifies empathy, compassion and a passion for the profession,” said June Hanson, senior nursing officer, UPHS – Bell. “She treats everyone she encounters with patience, understanding and a true desire to help. She cares fully for her patients, her staff, and fellow colleagues the same way she would care for her own friends and family members. She sets the bar high for herself and for those around her.”

After nearly five decades of service to her community, Yvonne is slated to retire this summer. Thank you, Yvonne, for your commitment to serving our patients, community and all who have the privilege to cross your path.

In addition to celebrating Yvonne, we also want to recognize the two other 2024 Mercy Award nominees, who are also deserving of recognition for the hard work and dedication they show each and every day. Please join us in congratulating nominees Lynn Mattila, director, Surgical Services, and Kris Revello, purchasing assistant, Materials Management.

Each facility winner, including Yvonne, will be considered for Lifepoint’s 2024 companywide Mercy Award. The companywide winner will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, TN, in August.