Effingham Health System named Shannon Heath as its C. Edward Helmey Humanitarian Year of the Award winner Monday afternoon.

Heath, a licensed practical nurse who is an administrative nurse and restorative program coordinator at the Effingham Care Center, has been with the hospital and care center since October 2007.

“Shannon is a team player and works like she owns it every day,” said one of her nominations. “Shannon is always working with our frontline staff to ensure our residents receive the highest level of care possible. She makes safety a first and a must. She is quick to notice a change in a resident and act on it.”

Heath also was cited for her work in the recent survey that led to the Effingham Care Center winning the Gold-Excellence in Quality Award, one of only four nursing homes in the U.S. to receive the Baldrige Award.

“She comes early and leaves late. Anytime I need to know anything about any resident, she knows,” Jane Miller said of Heath.

“Shannon is a delight to work with,” said Mary Pizzino, chief information officer and executive director of quality at Effingham Health System and Extended Care Center. “She always has the best interests of the residents and staff at heart.”

Heath was one of three finalists, including certified nursing assistant Dwayne Fort and environmental services manager Levi Scott.

“I am grateful for people like Shannon,” said Effingham Health System CEO Norma Jean Morgan.

Fort, who joined the hospital staff in 1977, was moved to restorative aide in February 2002 and he was named preceptor of new CNAs earlier this year.

Scott received the Association of Linen Management Heyward Wiley Manager of the Year award in 2014.

The Helmey Award is named for the late C. Edward Helmey, a former member of the Effingham Hospital Authority.

“Mr. Ed was like E.F. Hutton — when he spoke, people listened,” Morgan said.

“He was a person who exemplified ethics and Christianity,” said Bertha Scott.

“He really had the welfare of the patients in his sights,” added Miller.