Adena Health Social Worker Honored By Ohio Hospital Association

Article Presented By Pickaway Ross CTC…

(Chillicothe) – In a filled ballroom Tuesday night during an awards ceremony event at the Hilton Columbus at Easton, Adena Health Licensed Independent Social Worker Cheryl Royster heard her named called to an abundance of applause. It was at that moment she realized she was among five finalists for the Ohio Hospital Association’s 2024 Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award.

OHA’s Health Care Worker of the Year Award is presented each year to one Ohio caregiver who personifies a leader, motivates colleagues, influences others, provides valuable service and contributes, personifies the mission, vision and values of the organization, and has an impact in their community.

Each year, OHA invites member hospitals and health systems to nominate one outstanding professional for consideration for Health Care Worker of the Year. OHA enlisted a panel of outside reviewers to help identify this year’s five finalists and ultimate recipient. 

OHA received 72 nominations for this year’s health care worker of the year award. Cheryl, who works at Adena Fayette Medical Center, is the health system’s first-ever finalist for the award which was established in 1996.

Although she was not named the award winner on the night, Cheryl was truly honored by the recognition and finalist finish. She is quick to add as well she’s not all that comfortable with the attention that comes with it.

“I just feel like I’m doing my job,” Cheryl said.

The Washington Court House native has been a social worker for 50 years and was the first social worker hired at then Fayette County Memorial Hospital in 1977.

“In high school, I told my guidance counselor I wanted to do something to help people,” she said. “I batted around what that was, but in the end I felt social work was where I’m supposed to be and I never looked back.”

Cheryl says she enjoys making a difference for patients and families. “You have to put yourself in their place.” she said. “Hospitals can be intimidating. Helping facilitate a patient’s care and making sure they’re comfortable is important.”

That caring touch is extended through Cheryl’s efforts to help her coworkers and her community. She serves as the chair of the Adopt a Family program at Adena Fayette Medical Center and is also active on a number of hospital committees, including the employee engagement committee. She has co-chaired the annual community health fair for the past 33 years and serves on the boards of the Central Ohio Area Agency and the Fayette County Community Action Organization. Cheryl also serves on an advisory council for Miami Trace High School and works with Fayette County Public Health’s Children Offered Resources Early program.

“If I can help, then why not?” Cheryl said. “Help and make a difference and you will be a better person for it. What you get in return is much more than what you give.”

After more than four decades, Cheryl continues to love her job and her coworkers, who she considers family. She also encourages others to consider a career in social work or health care.

“Anyone who wants to make a difference should consider health care,” Cheryl said. “I hope they will also look at social work as the community’s needs are only getting greater.”