Helen May came to UAMS on June 25, 1990, and made a big impact on the institution and its patients during her 11 years at the hospital. She lived by the core concepts of patient and family-centered care before the concepts were identified as such.
She created the Building Bridges program, which emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in the healthcare setting. She also served as chairperson of Hospital Week and served as director of the UAMs patient liaison program before serving as an instructional development specialist. Her listening skills and ability to deal with conflict created a happier, healthier and more patient-friendly workplace.
Helen died on Nov. 21, 2001. The Helen May Compassionate Care Award was established in her memory in 2003 to honor a UAMS employee who exemplifies the Circle of Excellence standards of safety, respect, excellence, image and efficiency.
Her spirit lives on today in the compassionate care provided by the UAMS family in a culture of patient- and family-centered care.
Past Recipients of the Helen May Compassionate Care Award
2021
Michelle Roberts
2020
Rose Farquhar
2018
Michael Arnold
2017
Janet O. Wall
2015
R. Lee Archer, MD
2014
Judy Seidenschnur
2013
Libby Grobmyer
2012
Charles McCullough
2011
Monica Grazziutti, MD
2010
Betty Casali
2009
Julie Atkins
2008
Avis Wilson
2007
Cindy Lou Melero
2006
Rosalie O’brien
2005
Abdul Muhammad
Debbie Bryant
Ginger Stafford
2004
Colleen Jordan