Holyoke Health Center Celebrates Staff Appreciation Day During National Health Center Week

Holyoke Health Center Celebrates Staff Appreciation Day During National Health Center Week

Holyoke, MA: In recognition of National Health Center Week, Holyoke Health Center is proud to celebrate Staff Appreciation Day by highlighting the extraordinary efforts of our dedicated team members. This year, we honor Ana Jaramillo, Community Engagement Specialist, and Dr. Deviprasad Makonahally, our esteemed dentist at the health center’s Westfield dental clinic, for their outstanding contributions to patient care.

Ana Jaramillo demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness when a recently unemployed patient without health insurance urgently needed a blood thinner prescription. The retail cost of $2,470 was prohibitive, but Ana’s quick actions ensured the patient received his medication at the 340b price of $13.37 for a three-month supply. Her collaboration with our pharmacy and insurance enrollment team exemplifies the dedication and ingenuity that define our staff.

Dr. Deviprasad Makonahally’s compassionate approach to dentistry has profoundly impacted our patients. Recently, he treated a patient who arrived an hour and a half late due to a bus fare issue, resulting in the patient walking miles to the clinic, and another elderly patient who had just lost his wife of 42 years. Dr. Makonahally’s commitment to understanding the personal stories behind each patient’s visit ensures that all receive medical care and emotional support. “I always practice dentistry with my heart filled with compassion and empathy, and it has been a rewarding journey,” said Dr. Makonahally, whose philosophy is the cornerstone of our health center’s mission.

“We are incredibly proud of Ana and Dr. Makonahally,” said Alejandro Esparza Perez, CEO of Holyoke Health Center. “Their dedication to our patients’ well-being and their ability to provide compassionate care under challenging circumstances are truly inspiring. They embody the values that make our health center a trusted resource in our community.”

As we celebrate National Health Center Week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our staff members whose unwavering commitment and compassionate care continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

For more information about National Health Center Week, please visit https://healthcenterweek.org/.