McMahon up for health care honor

SANDUSKY — Representatives at Firelands Health recently nominated registered nurse Miquette McMahon for the 2026 Ohio Hospital Association's Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to one Ohio caregiver who: • Personifies a leader • Goes beyond the call of duty consistently • Exemplifies the mission, vision and values of his/her organization • Impacts his/her community The award will be presented at the association's annual meeting later this month. Repeatedly rising to the occasion Representatives revealed why they nominated McMahon for this honor. McMahon is a float nurse willing to work in any area she's needed, often responding to texts requesting help outside of her scheduled hours. "Everywhere she works, Miquette is complimented on her teamwork and adaptability in any situation," according to her nomination. "If a class is available to learn and grow in her nursing role, she takes it." Organizational values are encouraged to be a focal point of the award. Firelands' values are attitude, commitment and enthusiasm, often shortened to "ACE." McMahon's nomination then gave an example to show her compassion toward others. "Miquette was working when a patient with chest pain and shortness of breath had a translator via an iPad," it read. "Realizing she could communicate in the patient's native language, McMahon put the patient at ease, enabling prompt care. As the director of the unit shared, 'The interaction was truly beautiful to watch. It was at this time that we all realized what an incredible asset she would be to the Firelands' team.'" Speaking little English, McMahon came to the U.S. determined to get an education. McMahon believed her chance to go to America was a gift from God, and through her faith and determination, she wanted to break the cycle of poverty that so many Haitians face, the nomination read. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in nursing, McMahon sought ways to give others the same opportunities she had been given. In 2007, McMahon founded Teach Haiti, whose mission is to "provide a comprehensive biblical education that empowers children to emerge from poverty, impact their community and lead with integrity." What began as a scholarship program quickly became more. In 2010, the first Teach Haiti school opened in Port-au-Prince, and a second opened in 2016 in McMahon's hometown of St. Michel. More than 500 partners have donated to support Teach Haiti, impacting 600 students, faculty and staff by enabling access to education.