Meridian is proud to present its first ever "Spirit of Meridian" Awards at Rialzo II to an outstanding employee and community member who have demonstrated 'above and beyond' dedication to Meridian's mission of creating healthier minds and communities.

    Our winners....
  • Regularly go above and beyond expectations
  • Display a selfless attitude while serving others
  • Strive for excellence and exhibit a giving spirit
  • Initiate ideas that allow us to be better
  • Show utmost respect for all whom they interact with
  • Cultivate relationships that allow collaboration
  • Inspire others to follow their example

Community Award Winner

Dr. Christina (Tina) Drummond

Medical Director of the Emergency Department
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital

Employee Winner

Kimberly J. Canan

Behavioral Clinician
Suzanne Gresham Center
A division of Meridian Services

Dr. Drummond is recognized for her commitment and dedication to patient care and as well as her efforts in collaborating with Meridian's inpatient psychiatric program. It is well known in the behavioral health and emergency medical services communities that psychiatric patients pose a significant challenge to hospital emergency departments.

"I believe you can find an exception to this at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, due in large part to the leadership of Dr. Drummond. Dr. Drummond has fostered a culture committed to providing excellent emergency care to psychiatric patients," said Barbara Sells, Meridian's Program Manager at Meridian.

Meridian staff report that all needs of psychiatric patients are appropriately assessed, treated, and managed humanely and creatively.

"Kim is one of the most resourceful and creative people I have met. She finds a way to get her clients what they need...so she can change their lives," said one nominaiton. "And she treats each of her cases as if they were children of her own."

Most people would not want to take on kids like Kim sees. She works with the most challenging cases, usually kids who are headed to residential treamtent centers. Yet, if you were to meet any of the children with whom Kim has spent time, you would discover kind, respectful, thankful kids who have come to respect their community.

Kim also put three years of 'spare time' effort into creating a 25 foot-long and floor-to-ceiling mural of a park scene at the entrance of Meridian's Suzanne Gresham Center. Designed to make families in need of services more comfortable, the Gresham Center is honored to have Kim's work as a comforting introduction to the building, and reflection of her dedication to helping people cope and giving families hope.