Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center named Jon Fritz of Salida its second-quarter TRAC STAR at a hospital ceremony on Aug. 10.
TRAC STAR is an acronym for the core values that guide HRRMC employee performance: teamwork, recognition, attitude, customer service, safety, talent, accountability and respect. The TRAC STAR award recognizes outstanding employees and is presented quarterly.
Fritz, a certified diabetes educator and certified exercise physiologist, joined HRRMC’s staff in 2014. He has been a driving force in developing Wellness U, the hospital’s community and employee wellness program. During his tenure, the program has grown to include discounted direct access lab testing; HRRMC’s own health fair; a new staff gym; and classes in tai chi, yoga and diabetes education.
“Jon is a perfect example of someone who walks the walk,” wrote the employee who nominated him for the award. “He is good at what he does and is constantly doing what he can to improve the programs we offer to staff and community members.”
Hospital CFO Lesley Fagerberg presented Fritz with a $200 gift check, a fleece jacket with the hospital's TRAC logo, and a certificate to be professionally photographed. A plaque with his photo will be displayed in the hospital café.
Fagerberg also acknowledged the two other finalists for the quarterly award, Annette Appel of Hartsel and Paula Fowler of Poncha Springs.
Appel joined the hospital’s administrative staff in 2011, although she volunteered as a candy striper at the old Salida Hospital—as it was then known—back in the 1970s. She serves in two roles—as a human resources generalist and as an administrative assistant to the Nursing Department. She was described as “an organized, helpful, friendly, humorous and respected team member” by the employees who nominated her.
Fowler, a registration specialist in the Emergency Department, has worked at HRRMC for four years. She was praised in her nomination for being “always kind to patients and staff” as well as “a great problem solver, fixing issues when needed.”
HRRMC employees can nominate any of their colleagues for the TRAC STAR award. Members of the hospital's Communications Team review all nominations and then cast individual ballots to determine the finalists and the winner. All finalists are eligible to be named TRAC STAR of the Year.
