The Peru Gazette

Mark Silver Receives CVPH’s Inaugural BEE Award

PLATTSBURGH, NY (8/2/2023) – Security Guard Mark Silver is the recipient of The University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital’s (CVPH) inaugural BEE (Beyond Exceptional Everyday) Award. Silver, a CVPH employee for more than five years, was nominated by an Emergency Department (ED) colleague for his inspirational work with patients and visitors and was recognized during a surprise ceremony.

“Mark is always ready to help anyone in need,” wrote Shawn Horton, CVPH Certified Healthcare Access Associate, in his nomination of Silver. “I have witnessed Mark on multiple occasions speaking with patients and visitors with a kindness that makes you think twice about whether he is a security officer or a caregiver.”

Horton works in the ED, where tensions and stress levels can rise quickly, and staff work together to meet their patients’ needs in sometimes challenging situations.

“I have seen Mark deescalate many patients that have come into the ED that are feeling scared or alone. He always talks to them with respect and in a way that makes them feel like this is a place of safety and healing,” Horton recalled.

Silver’s duties take him to all corners of the hospital and present a wide variety of challenges. His co-workers agree that one thing that never changes is Silver’s commitment to the safety of everyone he encounters, whether it be a patient, visitor or co-worker.

“I would say Mark’s empathy for people is his sword. He uses it to strengthen the bond with people when things are not going well,” CVPH Supervisor of Security Johanna Dominy added. “He strives to make the situation better, no matter what it takes. He will do whatever he can for patients to help them achieve a positive result.”

It is that dedication and compassion that Silver displays that inspires colleagues like Horton to provide the best care they can and approach each situation with empathy in mind.

“He is always the first one to approach a patient who is upset or angry, despite any safety concerns for his personal wellbeing. Mark has shown me that everyone deserves to be spoken to with respect and everyone deserves to be treated like they are safe and not alone,” he offered. “Everyone can see how much Mark cares about his job and the lengths that he will go to enrich the lives of everyone he comes in contact with.”

During a surprise ceremony with his colleagues at the hospital, Silver was presented with a certificate commending him for his extraordinary work. He also received a BEE Award pin and a basket filled with bee-themed gifts.

The BEE Award provides meaningful recognition to the hospital’s support staff and acknowledges individuals who exceed expectations daily. All CVPH employees who support patient care by working together with Physicians and Registered Nurses to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of patients and their loved ones are eligible for the BEE Award. Nomination forms and boxes are located at the hospital’s main entrances and on the CVPH website. Support staff may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving employee each quarter.