Lending a Hand, Serving a Purpose: Johnson earns DAISY Award for Health Equity

OPELIKA, Ala.- When Sutricia Johnson was in nursing school, she was told she would never graduate due to the color of her skin. Almost three decades since graduating on the dean’s list, her efforts to expand access to healthcare for the underserved in Opelika have earned her the DAISY Foundation Award for Health Equity.

The award came in May during a surprise ceremony at EAMC for Johnson, which was attended by her family, her pastor, members from her church, and numerous nurses and hospital officials.

Since Dec. 2022, Johnson has led the Neighborhood Mobile Wellness Clinic, a collaboration between East Alabama Health (EAH) and the City of Opelika to bring healthcare to those who do not have the means of reaching it. Under her leadership, the mobile unit so far has provided over 250 health and wellness checks to more than 185 individuals.

“I said it when we launched the bus that Opelika means so much to me,” Johnson said. “This role is not a charge for me; it is a calling. I think about what the Bible says: ‘When you’ve done it unto the least of these, you’ve done it unto me.’”

Johnson’s philosophy in regard to helping those around her comes from her faith. She believes that her calling to help others was predestined.

“God didn’t give us our gifts to hold them to ourselves. He gave us those gifts so that we can be His hands and feet,” she said.

For Johnson, the effort to expand awareness and access to healthcare isn’t confined to the walls and wheels of the mobile wellness clinic. 

During the days that the mobile wellness clinic is visiting neighborhoods in Opelika, she makes it a mission to walk through the neighborhood engaging and educating residents on the importance of healthcare, often befriending those she meets along the way.

“Even when people are skeptical about visiting the bus, she is able to convince them that they are important to us and that their health is a priority for us all,” said Shannon Jones, a social worker and mobile wellness clinic volunteer. “There have been many people who turn the rest of us down, but by the time Sutricia finishes, they are smiling and laughing and know they are part of something.”

Along with her work on the mobile wellness clinic, Johnson also serves as the director of Case Management at EAMC. In her role she oversees a team of social workers and nurses dedicated to helping guide patients through their health care journey from hospital to home.

During Johnson’s surprise award ceremony, she received a hand-carved sculpture from Zimbabwe titled “A Healer’s Touch,” a DAISY Award certificate and a DAISY Award pin. Her coworkers also shared story after story through smiles and tears of what makes Johnson deserving of the award.

“Sutricia exemplifies the heart of what our EAMC mission is all about: reaching the underserved in our community with compassion and kindness,” shared Dr. Steven Presley. “Throughout her work… she’s been a voice for the voiceless. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

While Sutricia appreciates the award and recognition, she says that it would make her happiest if everyone would use their gifts to help those around them in need.

“When moments like this come, you don’t expect it because this profession is not a job, it’s a calling,” Johnson said after receiving her award. “What would make me the happiest, is for you all to use your resources to help care for those who cannot help themselves.”

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About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinic and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital with a 26-bed Skilled Nursing Facility, while EAMC-Lanier provides inpatient services as well as a nursing home, an acute rehab unit and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,500 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www.eastalabamahealth.org.