A Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) Sailor’s effort caring for new families and guiding young Sailors was recognized at the 4th annual Kitsap Sun Health Care Heroes Awards Program, on June 8, 2017.
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Shasta Campbell was presented with the Military Medical Personnel Award from her stellar work at Northwest Beginnings Family Birth Center and coordinating Sailors Against Sexual Harassment and Assault (SASHA) with her husband Master-at-Arms 1st Class Michael Campbell.
Being thrust into the spotlight of accomplishment and praised in front of a sizable crowd at Bremerton’s Admiral Theater was an unexpected surprise for Campbell.
“I thank the Kitsap SUN and other sponsors. I give thanks to my command for the support and being nominated, because I didn’t see this coming. I especially give thanks to my husband. I couldn’t do 50 percent of what I do without you,” said Campbell, addressing the crowd after accepting the award.
Campbell was noted for distinguishing herself through leadership and service in her two years at NHB. She was selected as team lead in NHB’s busy family birth center, where she received multiple accolades for her care and compassion to patients. She also was selected to serve as an assistant command career counselor, handling responsibilities usually reserved for a more senior staff member.
But perhaps the greatest example of her commitment and dedication to helping others is SASHA, a Sailor-led and Sailor-driven grassroots campaign to help end sexual harassment and assault with new and innovative ways at NHB and in the community.
Along with Campbell being recognized with the military medical personnel award, other Health Care Heroes honorees were acknowledged in four other categories of Physician’s Excellence in Healthcare Award; Dentist’s Excellence in Healthcare Award; Health Tomorrow Award; and Quality of Care Lifetime Achievement Award.
“It’s gratifying to pause to recognize those doing well, and shine light on the positive being done by these honorees,” said David Nelson, Kitsap SUN editor and master-of-ceremony for the event, explaining that members of the extended community identifying themselves as friends, colleagues and patients submitted numerous nominations for this year’s event.
An independent judging panel comprised of local community leaders then reviewed those submissions to make the tough decision of selectins those healthcare professionals deemed exemplary and worthy of praise.
Campbell and the other honorees were called forward from their dining table as a detailed synopsis of their nomination was shared to the audience.
NHB has been represented every year in the event. Occupational Medicine and Population Health officer Dr. Dan Frederick was selected in the inaugural year, followed by director for Surgical Services and Obstetrics Department, Cmdr. Thecly Scott in the second year. Last year featured Mr. Russ Kent, Facilities Management Department head and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Eliana McMillian, surgical technician.
Health Care Heroes is a recognition program of the Kitsap Sun, enabled by the sponsorship of Admiral Theatre, Kaiser Permanente and Martha & Mary.