June 9, 2005

Panhandle Health District Employee Earns Statewide Award for Service

Deonn Erickson, an 11-year employee of Panhandle Health District, recently was awarded the Idaho Holmes Award, given in recognition of excellence in promoting patient-focused care for women undergoing cancer screenings.

The award, presented in recognition of excellence in promoting partnerships and enhancing patient-focused care, was presented by the Idaho Breast and Cervical Cancer Alliance at its recent annual conference in Sun Valley.  

As a member of PHD's clerical staff, Erickson coordinates data entry and case management for Women's Health Check, a program that provides breast cancer and cervical cancer screening to women who are uninsured or are considered low income. She is credited with saving the program hundreds of dollars through corrections to the billing system, and with providing outstanding customer service and dedication far above her job requirements. Nominees for the award are evaluated on their ability to "lead and light the way for others, instill hope and direction or demonstrate passion and vision to ensure early detection of breast/cervical cancer."