Judy Todd, a certified phlebotomy technician at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH), was recently honored by the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) as one of the 74 nominees chosen to represent their hospitals and health systems for the OHA’s prestigious Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award. Nominees are selected in recognition of their leadership, values and track record of going above and beyond the call of duty to give back to the community.

Judy has been employed in LMH’s Laboratory Department for nearly six years. One of her primary duties is to draw blood samples for both children and adults. Judy noticed that the blood-drawing process was often quite traumatic for some patients with autism, a neurological disorder that impairs the individual’s cognitive and social abilities. Judy designed an innovative picture board sequence model to educate and soothe special-needs patients so that they can understand the venipuncture process better and eliminate some anxieties. The picture board can also benefit other patients, such as those with Down syndrome or hearing impairments.

“Judy identified an area of patient care that needed improvement and took the initiative to develop a solution. She also has been helping other departments develop ways to communicate more effectively with patients who have autism. Judy exemplifies the type of caring healthcare worker who elevates the patient experience at LMH. She is most deserving of the OHA nomination,” remarked Rob Montagnese, President & CEO of Licking Memorial Health Systems.

Judy and her husband, Michael, reside in Heath and have two sons, Travis and Jeremy. Judy attended Utica High School and the Early Childhood Education program at Licking County Joint Vocational School. She joined LMH in 2008, and received her phlebotomy technician certification from the National Healthcareer Association.