Hospital Hero Debbie Keasler is Connecting the Community to Life-Saving Skills

Since 2005, National Health Foundation (NHF) has reached out to the Southern California health care community to nominate Hospital Heroes. These are the individuals who, through their commitment to care, have left an indelible mark on their patients, coworkers and communities. Since then, more than 200 medical, technical, clinical, administrative and volunteer staff members have been celebrated. The 11^th Annual Hospital Heroes Awards Luncheon will be held Friday, November 4^th, 2016 and once again, we will shine the light on the incredible service of the health care community. At the event you will have the opportunity to meet heroes such as Debbie Keasler who shares life-saving skills with her community over and above directing the cardiac and stroke programs at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.

It takes a special person to direct one of the most comprehensive, patient-centered and nationally recognized cardiac and stroke service programs in the Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. Since 2001, Debbie Keasler, RN, BS, MS, has done all of this and more at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC). A former cardiac critical care nurse, she has seen both devastating and miraculous outcomes of patients with heart and brain conditions. Debbie is much more than a director and clinical nurse; she is frequently heralded as an “Unsung Hero” in the hospital. She is an avid patient advocate, a skilled and experienced mentor to employees, and a kind friend to many.

Debbie works selflessly to put her patients and their families first, including being available to answer questions and provide reassurance 24/7. No task is beneath her. She is a keen listener, advocate, and a quick learner who always adapts to her patient’s changing and challenging needs without question. Acts such as these have earned Debbie four awards from the hospital’s Guardian Angel Recognition Program, which gives grateful patients the opportunity to support the hospital while honoring a special health care provider.

Debbie is a champion for our community. She reaches out to neighborhoods weekly to educate people on how to identify symptoms and increased risks of heart disease and stroke and how they can live healthier lifestyles. She teaches Hands-Only CPR to local schools, senior homes, and in the community to provide others with tools that can save lives, and volunteers for the American Heart Association. Debbie’s involvement is a testament to her steadfast dedication to heart and vascular health. Debbie goes beyond the scope of her responsibilities to support our communities and ensure that her patients receive compassionate care. She’s a hero to all.

For National Health Foundation, recognizing Hospital Heroes is especially important because we are a nonprofit that is dedicated to improving the health of individuals and underserved communities by taking action on the social determinants of health and bridging gaps in the health care system and it is through our partnerships in the community that we are able to effect change. Hospital Hero luncheon proceeds will directly benefit National Health Foundation programs. For more information about National Health Foundation, please click here.