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Payson, Ariz. (June 11, 2018) – Clara Bernard, long-time volunteer at Banner Payson Medical Center, was awarded with the Daily Point of Light Award from Points of Light, a national organization dedicated to recognizing volunteer service. Clara received this recognition for her ongoing commitment to providing comfort for families waiting for loved ones while in surgery.

Clara has been volunteering at the hospital for more than 10 years and currently serves in the surgery waiting room. Angel pins is one of the ways that Clara provides comfort to families. Each week, she purchases these pins herself, to gift to every person going into surgery to help put them at ease. “You don’t need to worry – your angel will be there for you,” says Clara as she hands a patient a pin. Her contribution doesn’t end there, when Clara has down time she knits hats for the newborn babies at the hospital and makes stuffed animals to give to children so they have a friend to cuddle while going into surgery.

“We admire Clara’s passion and dedication that she brings while volunteering at the hospital,” said Jennifer Lawless, volunteer services coordinator at Banner Payson Medical Center. “Our patients and families really appreciate her caring attitude and how she goes above and beyond to provide a comforting hand to them.”

Daily Point of Light Awards are given 5 days a week to honor individuals and groups creating meaningful change. “This award recognizes exceptional individuals who are using their time, talent, voice and treasure to improve the lives of others,” said Jaqueline Innocent, vice president, Recognition Programs of Points of Light. “These points of light, like Clara Bernard, make an impact on individuals while also helping build resilient communities.” For more information about Points of Light, visit www.pointsoflight.org/dailypointoflight.

Clara continues to inspire others with her work and hopes to show people they can make a difference in their communities too. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Banner Payson, visit www.bannerhealth.com/ways-to-give/volunteer or contact Jennifer Lawless at (928) 471-1294.

Located in Northern Gila Country, Banner Payson Medical Center is a full-service, 44-bed community hospital offering a variety of medical specialties including, rehabilitation, imaging, medical, surgical, maternity, and emergency care to residents in the greater Payson area. Banner Payson is part of Banner Health, a nonprofit healthcare system with 28 hospitals in six states. For more information, visit www.BannerHealth.com/Payson.