Alicia Burleson
May 2026
Alicia
Burleson
,
BSN, RN
Parkland Health
Dallas
,
TX
United States
Without her advocacy and support, the patient would likely have been unable to navigate these complex requirements and may have gone without his medications.
Alicia exemplified ICARE values—including compassion, collaboration, equity, and respect—through exceptional patient advocacy and dedication.
During a routine blood pressure check visit, a patient expressed concern about his ability to continue receiving essential medications. He had previously received these medications through a charity pharmacy, with deliveries sent to a clinic in Plano where he had been receiving care. Due to homelessness over the past several years, the clinic served as his delivery address.
Recently relocating to Grand Prairie, the patient no longer had access to that clinic. While he has a family member in Grand Prairie who cannot provide housing, the family member agreed to receive the medications on his behalf.
When the patient contacted the charity pharmacy to request an address change, the request was denied. The pharmacy also expressed concerns because the address listed on his driver’s license did not reflect his current living situation.
The patient, who has low health literacy, did not understand the issue and was fearful that he would be unable to receive his medications.
Alicia intervened on the patient’s behalf by contacting the charity pharmacy directly. She learned that the pharmacy required a typed letter explaining the patient’s circumstances and confirming that the family member consented to receiving the medications. Due to his homelessness and limited resources, the patient was unable to complete this task independently.
Alicia collaborated closely with the patient and drafted the required letter. She then partnered with the social worker to arrange for the patient and his daughter to come to the clinic and sign the document. She ensured that the letter was properly submitted to the pharmacy.
In parallel, the social worker connected the patient with local homelessness resources in Grand Prairie and provided guidance on initiating the Parkland financial assistance application process.
Upon receipt of the letter, the pharmacy confirmed that the delivery address would be updated. Alicia promptly notified the provider so medication refills could be submitted and processed without further delay.
This multi-step process unfolded over the course of a week and required persistent follow-up and coordination. Without her advocacy and support, the patient would likely have been unable to navigate these complex requirements and may have gone without his medications.
Her compassion, respect, and commitment ensured continuity of care and access to vital medications. Alicia's actions reflect a deep dedication to patient-centered care, being a patient advocate, and exemplify the true spirit of the DAISY Award.
During a routine blood pressure check visit, a patient expressed concern about his ability to continue receiving essential medications. He had previously received these medications through a charity pharmacy, with deliveries sent to a clinic in Plano where he had been receiving care. Due to homelessness over the past several years, the clinic served as his delivery address.
Recently relocating to Grand Prairie, the patient no longer had access to that clinic. While he has a family member in Grand Prairie who cannot provide housing, the family member agreed to receive the medications on his behalf.
When the patient contacted the charity pharmacy to request an address change, the request was denied. The pharmacy also expressed concerns because the address listed on his driver’s license did not reflect his current living situation.
The patient, who has low health literacy, did not understand the issue and was fearful that he would be unable to receive his medications.
Alicia intervened on the patient’s behalf by contacting the charity pharmacy directly. She learned that the pharmacy required a typed letter explaining the patient’s circumstances and confirming that the family member consented to receiving the medications. Due to his homelessness and limited resources, the patient was unable to complete this task independently.
Alicia collaborated closely with the patient and drafted the required letter. She then partnered with the social worker to arrange for the patient and his daughter to come to the clinic and sign the document. She ensured that the letter was properly submitted to the pharmacy.
In parallel, the social worker connected the patient with local homelessness resources in Grand Prairie and provided guidance on initiating the Parkland financial assistance application process.
Upon receipt of the letter, the pharmacy confirmed that the delivery address would be updated. Alicia promptly notified the provider so medication refills could be submitted and processed without further delay.
This multi-step process unfolded over the course of a week and required persistent follow-up and coordination. Without her advocacy and support, the patient would likely have been unable to navigate these complex requirements and may have gone without his medications.
Her compassion, respect, and commitment ensured continuity of care and access to vital medications. Alicia's actions reflect a deep dedication to patient-centered care, being a patient advocate, and exemplify the true spirit of the DAISY Award.