Sentara Health

Behind every surgery is a team of highly trained professionals helping patients through some of their most vulnerable moments. Among them are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), a profession facing growing demand nationwide.

To help meet that need, we recently awarded 15 third-year CRNA students $30,000 scholarships through a new partnership with the Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University. The scholarships are part of a broader commitment of more than $1.3 million over the next three years to help support the next generation of anesthesia professionals.

The investment comes at a critical time. Healthcare organizations across the country are facing a growing shortage of anesthesia providers, while demand for surgical and procedural care continues to rise. For students, the scholarships help ease the financial burden of an intensive graduate program. For patients, they help support the next generation of anesthesia professionals who will provide safe, high-quality care before, during, and after surgery.

Today's scholarship recipients are tomorrow's healthcare leaders. We're proud to support their journey and the lasting impact they'll have on patients and communities for years to come.

When serious injuries happen, every minute matters. That's why we're proud to announce that Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center has earned Provisional Level III Adult Trauma Center designation, helping ensure patients in Williamsburg and surrounding communities have access to advanced trauma care close to home.

The designation fills a critical gap in trauma services between Newport News and Richmond, providing EMS teams and patients with a closer option when emergency care is needed most.

This achievement required years of preparation, including extensive staff training and education to ensure teams across the hospital are equipped to provide high-quality trauma care when it's needed most.

Congratulations to Nicole Lawson, recipient of the 2026 DAISY Nurse Educator of the Year Award at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital! 🌼

Great nurses help patients heal. Great nurse educators help entire teams grow. Nicole is known for creating engaging learning experiences, mentoring nurses and helping team members build the confidence and skills they need to provide exceptional care. Her dedication to education, encouragement and professional development has a lasting impact on colleagues, patients and families alike.

Thank you, Nicole, for your passion for teaching, your commitment to nursing excellence and the difference you make every day.

Last week, community members from across Southern Virginia came together at Anglers Park in Danville for the 2026 American Heart Association Heart Walk. The event brought together 232 walkers across 44 teams, with 16 organizations raising more than $105,000 to support heart disease and stroke research, education, and lifesaving programs.

Heart disease remains a leading health concern, making events like the Heart Walk an important opportunity to raise awareness, encourage healthy lifestyles, and invest in resources that help improve heart health for everyone.

We were proud to participate with American Heart Association - Virginia, connect community members with health plan resources, and support a cause that impacts so many families throughout our region. Together, we're helping build healthier communities, one step at a time. ❤️

When the United Way calls for a Day of Caring, Sentara answers!

Last week, more than 245 Sentara employees across our South Hampton Roads region volunteered with 14 community organizations, completing dozens of projects that ranged from painting and landscaping, mopping floors and cleaning bathrooms, to serving seniors and packing up boxes of food.

What stands out: the breadth of participation. Colleagues from Sentara IT worked alongside teams from our hospitals, our health plan, our corporate offices, our finance department, our medical group, and more — united by a shared commitment to serving our community.

And this was just one region. Sentara teams also participated in Day of Caring events across Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, the Virginia Peninsula, and the Albemarle throughout the month of September.

That's the power of people coming together.💙

This month, more than 600 participants came together at Norfolk State University for the 33rd Annual Walk for Sickle Cell, "Every Step Counts," helping raise more than $31,000 to support individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease throughout Eastern Virginia.

The funds raised will help provide critical assistance, including medical transportation, rent and utility support, food, medication co-pays, scholarships, and other emergency needs. The walk also serves as an opportunity to connect families with resources, support services, and the latest information about sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that disproportionately impacts Black communities and can lead to serious health complications throughout a person's life. Events like this help raise awareness, advance advocacy efforts, and ensure families have access to the support they need.

During Sickle Cell Awareness Month, we're grateful for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., the many community partners, volunteers, sponsors, and every participant who continues to help break the sickle cycle and shine a light on this important cause.

When your child has been hospitalized for more than three weeks, trust means everything. For one family at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, that trust was found in DAISY Award winner Laura Mitchell, BSN, RN.

Throughout their son's recovery from emergency surgery, Laura became much more than a nurse. She was a steady presence during difficult nights, a compassionate advocate when concerns arose, and a source of reassurance when a parent couldn't be at the bedside.

"Knowing Laura was caring for my son gave me the confidence to leave the hospital for a few hours and care for my other children at home. I knew he was in good hands," the parent said.

From proactively addressing concerns with physicians to checking in before the call button was even pressed, Laura consistently went above and beyond. Her commitment left a lasting impression on a family during one of the most challenging times of their lives.

Congratulations, Laura, on this well-deserved DAISY Award, and thank you for the exceptional care you provide every day! 🌼