I know that Kansas City hospital whistleblower. She’s a credit to health care workers | Opinion
Patients first
I am a sterile processing supervisor who previously worked with Elizabeth Bell. I want to commend her for standing up for patient safety from behind the scenes. (Oct. 19, 8A, “KC hospital had roaches, rusted instruments, ex-employee says”) She is a voice for the sterile processing industry, and we are so lucky to have her.
Elizabeth is a dedicated and passionate professional. As a leader and manager, she helped me grow and further my own career.
She stands by best practices and is a true advocate for the process and procedure that sterile processing departments entail. She is an educator and mentor. She engages and empowers her staff to learn, understand and comprehend the reasons behind the policies. She can eloquently create standard operating procedures and train staff members to be empowered by the decisions they make. It was an absolute pleasure to work under her and be guided by her knowledge and expertise.
Elizabeth is an inspirational and innovative leader, and I have been honored to have her as my mentor.
- Angela Koons, Glendale, Arizona
Midwest proud
Of course Arkansas and Oklahoma are part of the Midwest. (Oct. 23, 7A, “Where’s the Midwest? The debate goes on by state”) I was part of that economic migration known as the Great Depression. The joke of the radio comedians of the day was: How do you tell the difference between an Arkie and an Okie? The Arkie has one mattress tied on top of the car and the Okie has two mattresses. The next week it would be the same joke, only reversed.
Growing up in very rural east Los Angeles County, I lived in fear that it would be discovered that my father was born in Arkansas. I knew I was neither Arkie nor Okie — I was born in Missouri.
My mother’s entire family remained in Missouri. My father’s entire family migrated to California. However, they all eventually returned to Arkansas. They worked at whatever jobs they could find but took their scant retirement back to Arkansas. If Arkansas and Oklahoma aren’t Midwest, what are they?
Perhaps the issue should be resolved by dialect. The Midwest dialect has been highly sought by the public radio and television producers as being the easiest to understand.
- Peg Nichols, Olathe
In a name
Considering the dysfunction, chaos and extremism in today’s Republican Party, GOP should stand for:
Grand Opposition Party
Gag Order President
Gang Of Panic
Ghost Of Party
Guilty Old President
Group Of Pests
Goof Off Party
Grievance Of Politicians
Grand Obsolete Party
- Ann Geraughty, Overland Park
Learned to lead
This summer, I had the honor of participating in Bank of America’s Student Leader program, where I was given the opportunity to work with Youth Volunteer Corps. The internship involved contributing to the well-being of the Kansas City community, understanding the value of diversity and immersing myself in an ethic of service that will last forever. The Student Leaders were also tasked with creating a website highlighting our overall experience at Youth Volunteer Corps and the valuable work of the organization.
Bank of America’s Student Leaders program exemplifies its commitment to nurturing youths and directing them toward fruitful employment avenues. Inspired by many role models in Kansas City’s Hispanic community, I’ve always been driven by a sense of duty to give back. For example, being bilingual is not just a testament to my heritage but a tool I employ to bridge gaps and bring communities closer. I believe true leadership is about pushing boundaries for the betterment of all, regardless of background.
As one of the Bank of America’s Student Leaders in Kansas City, I encourage everyone to check out the program, as I not only gained valuable life skills but also strong connections that I’ll always cherish.
- Jacqueline Salgado, Kansas City
