The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for Southwest Colorado, and our health care providers deserve our gratitude and continued high regard for their hard work, ingenuity and perseverance. I would like to highlight a health care provider whose dedication to our communities has earned her a prestigious nursing award.
Dixie Melton, CFNP, received the regional Southwestern Colorado Nightingale Luminary Award on Sept. 23 at the SWCAHEC Virtual Nightingale Nursing Award event. She was then chosen from among 60 Luminary recipients from across the state to receive a 2021 Colorado Nightingale Award as a Nurse in Clinical Practice in the area of Leadership.
Dixie is a family nurse practitioner and owns Ignacio Family Medicine. She was nominated for her leadership role in coordinating and mobilizing the COVID-19 vaccine effort for her community. Dixie was able to mobilize this effort through her long-standing history in the community as a trusted health care provider and community advocate. Dixie led the effort in providing 2,600 vaccines between February and early May of 2021. This was in addition to the wonderful holistic care she provides families in Ignacio.
Dixie personifies the qualities of an exemplary nurse: kindness, commitment and a deep knowledge of her community. She is one of many wonderful nurses who deserve recognition.
Visit www.coloradonursesfoundation.com to submit a nomination. Please take the time to nominate an exceptional nurse who has impacted your life. Let’s celebrate our local nurses for the love and care they provide to all of us!
Kate Hartzell
Durango
