Unity Health Celebrates Women's History Month
LaDonna Johnston, Administrator of Unity Health - Newport
In honor of Women's History Month, we want to celebrate a key leader who has helped pave the way in our organization: Unity Health - Newport Administrator, LaDonna Johnston. Johnston began serving Unity Health in 1987, and her first experience with the hospital was as a Candy Striper the two summers before she graduated high school.
Johnston says the people, patients and associates are why she loves working at Unity Health. “It is a blessing to watch our associates helping those in need and then seeing the patients and their families respond to the help,” she says.
She believes women are continuing to be a driving force in healthcare through advancing their education and bringing different perspectives to the Executive Table. She says women make a difference in whatever path they choose, whether it be through leadership roles, at the bedside or at the roots of providing care.
Johnston said Vicki Dalhem, former Director of Critical Care was her first inspiration as to who she wanted to be when she grew up. She exemplified how to put the patient first, a practice Johnston continues to do every day.
Amanda Henard, Administrator or Unity Health - Searcy Medical Center
Among our other leading ladies is Amanda Henard, who has served Unity Health for nearly 20 years and is currently the Administrator for Searcy Medical Center.
Over the years, Searcy Medical Center has been overseen by seven distinct administrators, and Henard is the first female to hold this position.
Henard says, “I love the opportunity to serve alongside providers, other leaders, and associates—both women and men—who provide high quality care to the patients in our community. I get the chance to serve and learn from so many people with a variety of talents and backgrounds.”
She believes we should celebrate the strong women, past and present, who help make the world a fairer and safer place, and Women’s History Month gives us a designated time to celebrate those who guide, shape and support us.