Savannah Alfaro, LPN, MHFA

An incredible story about the initiative, compassion and dedication of Savannah Oakley to reunite a family and rescue a patient from potential tragedy. A patient was admitted through the ED by EMS responding to calls about a man in an altered state. He didn’t speak English, couldn’t give his name, and had no wallet or cellphone. As his mental status began to improve on GS 4W, his medical team worked with the Spanish interpreter to fill in more details of his background and history. Savannah took each piece of additional info he remembered and used it as a clue. She had an integral role in coordinating information across the care team and making sure there was effective communication at each step. She went beyond bedside care to dig deeper and help her patient. She discovered he was reported missing by his family in California, and the Police Department had an open missing person case. Through the interpreter, she talked with the patient and contacted his brothers. The patient’s family drove to Good Sam in Lexington from California to reunite with the patient, who was safely discharged home, with his brothers. A happy ending that was only possible because of Savannah’s truly spectacular work.