ALISO VIEJO, CA (December 12, 2011) – CareMeridian, a leading provider of post acute health care alternatives, today announced that Arlyn Valdez, CNA and Administrative Assistant at Care Meridian Gilroy, was the recipient of the 2011 Beyond Care Award in recognition of her outstanding efforts and successful outcomes with her patients.  The award was presented earlier this month at CareMeridian’s year-end management meeting.

Arlyn began working at CareMeridian in 2002 as a Certified Nursing Assistant.  In 2003, she took on the additional duties of Ancillary Services and, in 2004, was given additional responsibilities as Activities Director. In 2009, she was promoted to Administrative Assistant.

“Arlyn’s service to CareMeridian and her commitment to our patients represents the spirit behind this award,” said CareMeridian CEO Jim Ashby.  “Her giving heart and positive attitude have made a significant difference in the lives of patients and their families and we are very proud to recognize her efforts and outstanding achievements.”

CareMeridian Gilroy Administrator and Director of Nursing Colby Perez accepted the award on behalf of Arlyn, who was recently diagnosed with Stage IV cancer.  “There are so many things about Arlyn that touch my heart,” said Perez.  “From greeting everyone at the door with a smile, organizing patient outings and dressing up as the Easter Bunny every year, to collecting flowers from our garden and placing them throughout our facilities to brighten the atmosphere.”  Even with her recent diagnosis, Arlyn continues to spend time with patients and their families whenever possible.

CareMeridian, a partner of The MENTOR Network, provides a continuum of high quality, cost-effective post-acute care and rehabilitation options to people of all ages with brain, spinal cord and other life-altering injuries and medically-complex illnesses.  With program locations throughout the Western United States, CareMeridian offers a distinctive service delivery model, merging an experienced and skilled health care and rehabilitation team with state-of-the-art technology in community-based program settings designed to meet the unique needs of those we serve at every stage of their recovery.

The MENTOR Network is a national network of local human services providers offering an array of quality, community-based services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain, spinal cord and other catastrophic injuries and illnesses and to youth with emotional, behavioral and medically complex challenges as well as their families in nearly 40 states. To learn more, visit thementornetwork.com.

Contact:
Dan Larson
Chief Development Officer
314.440.4257
dlarson@caremeridian.com