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 Michelle, Office Coordinator at the North Renfrew Family Health Team, was presented with the 2025 Essential Pieces Award from Janna Hotson, DRDH President and CEO, and Sarah-Lynn Parker, Manager of Clinical Services – Primary Care, in recognition of her outstanding contributions, collaboration, and dedication to all those we provide care for.
Deep River and District Health (DRDH) came together once again to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of our team members at the organization’s annual recognition event. The Spring Soirée, held on April 11, 2025, honoured service milestones, peer-nominated excellence, and retirements—shining a spotlight on the people who provide excellent care and foster a compassionate culture across the organization.
Janna Hotson, President and CEO of DRDH, expressed her appreciation for the team’s collective efforts. “This event is a meaningful tradition where we take time to recognize the incredible individuals who are at the core of everything we do,” said Hotson. “It’s inspiring to see the dedication our team members bring to their roles every day, and I’m honoured to celebrate their achievements with them.”
The Essential Pieces Award, DRDH’s peer nominated recognition award, was presented to an outstanding individual who exemplifies the organization's Mission, Vision, and Values. This year, the prestigious award was presented to Michelle, Office Coordinator with the North Renfrew Family Health Team.
Nominated by several of her peers, Michelle was praised for her adaptability, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to patients, residents, and colleagues. She plays a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of many aspects of the Family Health Team and has been instrumental in the success of the Integrated Virtual Care (IVC) program, adapting processes to better support patients and off-site providers.
“Michelle is a truly exceptional team member,” said Hotson. “She consistently brings innovation, initiative, and care into everything she does—whether she’s helping patients access care, supporting a colleague, or stepping in to assist in other departments when needed. Michelle’s positivity and professionalism make her a vital part of the DRDH team, and we’re proud to honour her with this year’s Essential Pieces Award.”
Seven nominations were received for the 2025 award, highlighting excellence in departments across the organization, including Nursing, Information Technology, Dietary, Recreation, and Scheduling.
DRDH also celebrated long-serving employees who reached significant service milestones in 2024. This year, 5-year pins were presented to three team members, 10-year pins to four team members, 15-year pins to six team members, and one team member was honoured with a 20-year pin. In addition, the organization gave special recognition to three retirees, each of whom dedicated more than a decade of service to DRDH.
“This year’s milestones reflect more than just time, they speak to a deep and lasting commitment to compassionate, high-quality care,” said Hotson. “To our long-serving team members and retirees, thank you for the incredible impact you’ve had on our organization and all those we provide care for”.
The annual recognition event remains a valued opportunity to come together in gratitude and celebrate the people who make our organization stronger every day. DRDH would like to extend a sincere thanks to all who joined us to recognize and honour our incredible team.
 Nominees for the 2025 Essential Pieces Award were recognized for exemplifying DRDH’s Mission, Vision, and Values through their outstanding teamwork, dedication, and compassion. Congratulations to team members Phillip, Abbie, Michelle, Tracy, and Jennifer (as well as Jessica and Sue, who are not pictured) on this well-deserved recognition.
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