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"The professionalism and kindness of Aurora Ortiz-Espinoza not only saved a life — but also brought immense relief to family and loved ones."

This Healthcare Environmental Services Week — Sept. 14-20, 2025, a UVA Health EVS team member is being hailed as a hero. Aurora Ortiz-Espinoza was on the job, when she saw someone who needed help — and without hesitation, sprang into action!

Her courage has earned Ortiz-Espinoza the praise of colleagues, leading to a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award! UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Min Lee, MHA, MBA, and BEE Award Committee Chair Samantha Shifflett recently surprised Ortiz-Espinoza with a presentation.

Five UVA Health team members nominated Ortiz-Espinoza for the BEE Award:

• Courtney Long, Medical Assistant: "We had a medical emergency where an individual was found alone suffering from a medical condition. While taking care of her morning tasks, Aurora found this person alone and instantly yelled for help. She stayed with them until other team members arrived. I have not worked at this location long, but long enough to notice Aurora goes above and beyond. She says 'Good morning!' every day to each team member and keeps up with our families (asking about our children and other relatives). She also takes pride in what she does daily — making sure we have the best environment we can have to work in! Aurora would never look at this event as anything to speak of or make a fuss over, but she was amazing that day — and she is every day. We are lucky to have her!"
  
  
• Aishley Crisostomo Hernandez, Medical Assistant: "I am nominating her in recognition of her extraordinary dedication, compassion, and lifesaving assistance. She provided critical support to a medical emergency during clinical hours. Her actions went beyond the call of duty — demonstrating exceptional skill, empathy, and commitment. The professionalism and kindness of Aurora Ortiz-Espinoza not only saved a life, but also brought immense relief to family and loved ones. She is a gem to our organization — always helpful, kind, and caring. She is very swift and compassionate. I believe Aurora embodies the essence of the BEE Award — Being Exceptional Everyday — and is truly deserving of this honor. Her unwavering dedication to us and profound impact on those we serve make her an exemplary candidate for this recognition!"
  
  
• Delta Worley, Medical Assistant: "Aurora found the person and hollered for help! She stayed close by until all the help came to this individual. Aurora always goes above and beyond!"
  
  
• Stephanie Johnston, Medical Assistant: "Aurora found the person having an emergency and immediately got them the help they needed, shouting 'Help!' — and telling everyone where to go."
  
  
• Jessica Larkin Bourne, RN, ADN: "Aurora found the person on the floor and ran to the nurses station for help. Thankfully, we able to avoid a situation that could have ended in tragedy. Aurora is such wonderful person to work with. She can be quiet and focused on her work, but very obviously pays close attention to everyone here. She is always knitting gifts for team members for holidays and birthdays — and brings souvenirs to us from trips. We are very lucky to not only have her here, but also lucky that she was cleaning when and where she did — and paid enough attention to notice the medical emergency."
  

Know a Deserving Team Member?

The BEE Award recognizes UVA Health University Medical Center team members who work alongside our nurses to impact patients' experiences — just as bees and flowers depend on one another.

Every month, the Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members with this award. Submit a nomination.