Health Department recognizes upcoming retirement of Susan Hays
Submitted by Lana Sanstrom, LEHP
Douglas County Health Department
The Douglas County Health Department would like to announce the upcoming retirement of Susan Hays, RN.
Susan began her nursing career at OSF Presence as a floor nurse working in Oncology & Hospice before working at Carle in a State of Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services providing Home Health Services for HIV/AIDS patients. Susan joined the staff at the Douglas County Health Department as the Health Educator in 2001; during 2001 the Director of Nursing position became open and Susan accepted the offer to serve in that position.
Susan has been involved in all aspects of the nursing program while at the health department simultaneously while directing RNs and full and part-time support staff. Duties have included immunizations, communicable diseases, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Food and Nutrition Service, Family Case Management, High Risk Infant Program, Senior Citizen Toe Nail Clinic, and the Lead Program. Additionally, Susan developed a Lab Program so county residents could have lab work accomplished conveniently and economically.
When asked if she had work of which she was especially proud, Susan commented that she was amazed at how a small county health department such as ours had grown to meet the needs of its citizens during a time of economic crisis for service providing entities. Susan gives credit for the department’s success to all the employees of the Douglas County Health Department who work together as a team. She has proven herself to be a team member; perhaps her biggest role outside of nursing was serving as the Director of the Medical Reserve Corps for 6 years.
In celebration of her many years of caring, there will be a reception on Thursday, May 31 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Douglas County Health Department. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and all are welcome. Please come and wish Susan well in her new adventures. The Douglas County Health Department is located at 1250 E. US Hwy 36, Tuscola.