The 2016 Yale New Haven Heroes

YNHH congratulated 16 new Yale New Haven Heroes recently as hospital leaders, family members and colleagues gathered at a reception in their honor.

Clockwise from top left: Arnold Ramjattan stops for a quick picture in front of his portrait that now hangs on walls throughout YNHH. Thomas Billups shows off his new portrait to his grandchildren, who joined in the celebration. YNHHS CEO Marna Borgstrom congratulates newly named Hero Patti-Ann Vakos, RN.

Selected from a pool of more than 200 nominations from Yale New Haven employees, the members of this year's class represent a wide variety of occupations and locations. Each winner was nominated for the honor by their colleagues or peers and selected by the patient experience nomination review committee.

Large posters of the new heroes are now displayed throughout the hospital campuses and other locations for employees, visitors and patients to see.

"The Heroes program is a tribute to exemplary employees who embrace and live the values of Yale New Haven in their everyday work," said Richard D'Aquila, YNHH and YNHHS president. "Their stories remind us to offer excellent service and provide patients with the best possible experiences while in our care."