Earlier this month Suffolk County Legislator Anthony A. Piccirillo honored Samantha Wist as the Healthcare Hero honoree for the 8th Legislative District. Samantha is currently a RN at Southshore University Hospital and has worked tirelessly to serve others throughout the pandemic. Samantha who currently lives in Holbrook with her husband Bobby, her daughter Madison and dog Daisy is a lifelong resident of the 8th Legislative District and a hero in every sense of the word. “Samantha and heroes like her were one of the reasons why I sponsored this legislation; to thank and highlight healthcare heroes for all of the selfless work she and others have done throughout the pandemic.” said Legislator Anthony Piccirillo.
Last year Legislator Piccirillo sponsored Legislation that was signed into law designating the month of June as “Healthcare Heroes Month.” Healthcare Heroes month acknowledges the inspiring and selfless contributions of the frontline healthcare workers who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic. In the spirit of honoring healthcare workers for their tireless contributions, Legislator Piccirillo sponsored IR 1085 which creates an annual program in June recognizing Healthcare Heroes from each Legislative District. Each member of the Suffolk County Legislature shall designate a “Healthcare Hero” representing his or her respective Legislative District each June, with June 2021 being the inaugural year.
“Samantha is a hero in every sense of the word, hearing her recount the heroic actions she and others had to take during the first few months of covid when they had limited PPE was very sobering” said Legislator Piccirillo. During the peak of the covid 19 pandemic, Samantha was often in ground zero in the hospital- the ICU unit where she worked tirelessly to help others. She often worked long shifts, overnights and holidays when the hospital was being overrun by patients. “Samantha stepped up to help others, leaving her daughter and husband at home working 12+ hour shifts learning quickly how to save lives” said Legislator Piccirillo. Samantha put her health on the line with long hours, and limited PPE, all the while working towards her BSN. Samantha officially graduated with her BSN last month and continues to serve our community as a Healthcare Hero. Samantha was also just recently honored at a New York Rangers game for being an essential health care worker during the covid 19 pandemic.
“I was happy to be able to thank and recognize Samantha with this award in my office earlier this month; she and her family are wonderful people and truly deserved to be recognized” said Legislator Piccirillo. Samantha, along with her husband Bobby and adorable daughter Maddison stopped by the 8th Legislative District Office to receive a proclamation. Samantha was also recognized at the June 22nd general meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature. In addition, all of the Healthcare Heroes who were recognized for the inaugural Healthcare Hero award are highlighted on the Suffolk County Legislature website. Congratulations Samantha and thank you to all of our amazing Healthcare workers!