Recognition for front-line workers in Rockville Centre

Workers on the front lines have been particularly tested over the past few weeks, and yet they continue to do their jobs. Their commitment to saving others has not gone unnoticed, and the Rockville Centre community is finding new ways to thank them for their service.

On April 15, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin launched "Warriors for Wellness" as a way to express gratitude to all health care workers, first responders, and essential workers on the front lines, as well as people who have gone above and beyond to support these workers continue in the fight against the coronavirus.

“I encourage everyone to express their appreciation for the sacrifice that these incredible workers make to save lives and be of service to us all during this very challenging time,” Griffin said.

Griffin’s first Warrior for Wellness is Margaret Lindsay Gillis, a nurse at Mercy Medical Center, who the assemblywoman said she selected because of the “dedication and compassion that Margaret has shown to others by going the extra mile for families of loved ones who may be in the hospital battling this virus.”

Gillis has been employed at Mercy Medical Center for 35 years and has served as an assistant nurse manager for the past 20 years. Once the hospital became immersed in the pandemic, she began working on the emergency department and Covid-19 floors, and is now helping patients recover from Covid-19, pneumonia and other issues.

Gillis said that to her, the most important thing she and her colleagues do at this vulnerable time is act as a liaison between patients and family.

“I am grateful that I can offer that solace to families,” Gillis said.

Griffin will be recognizing someone every Wednesday on her Facebook page. To nominate someone you know in Assembly District 21, email griffinj@nyassembly.gov.