Johnston Health names ambassador of the month

Submitted by JOHNSTON HEALTH

SMITHFIELD — Johnston Health has recognized Laurel Colpetzer, the secretary and patient registrar for the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation department, as Ambassador of the Month.

During a recent presentation, CEO Tom Williams said Colpetzer puts patients at ease with her pleasant demeanor, kind spirit and bubbly personality. Before transferring to the department, she was a health screener, where she kept up with the many changes in visitor policies and screening guidelines.

While in that role, she helped save the life of a patient in the parking lot at the hospital in Clayton. A young man in the passenger seat of a vehicle arrived unconscious. A code was called, and she ran outside to assist in performing CPR until the emergency services team took over his care.

Colpetzer is a CNA and worked for three years at a nursing home in Clayton before joining Johnston Health last year. “I love patients and the people I work with. I’m always happy to help out in any way I can,” she said.

Colpetzer lives in Clayton and has two children, ages 15 and 19. She is a native of Wilmington, Delaware.

Through the ambassador program, Johnston Health recognizes employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. They deliver quality care, foster teamwork and offer excellent service. In addition to a designated month-long parking space, Colpetzer will receive eight hours of paid time off.