October Ambassador brings infectious cheerfulness, laugh to her role

Oct. 7, 2024 -- Over and over again, Melissa Childers' co-workers describe how dedicated she is to her position in the Reid Health Pharmacy. As the Pharmacy Materials Technician, she's responsible for purchasing the drugs needed to care for patients throughout the hospital.

The role requires her at times to work odd hours of the day and weekends.

"Melissa's hard work and dedication to Reid is phenomenal," one person said. "She does an amazing job at finding the best-priced inventory and is very passionate about her role. We're so lucky to have her! Her cheerfulness and laughter are definitely contagious!"

"She's dedicated to her job and will work all the hours she needs to keep the medications we need on the shelf," another person said. "I don't exaggerate when I say a good buyer is essential to keeping the pharmacy running smoothly, and Melissa is a great buyer."

Reid Health's Ambassador for the month of October joined the health system in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I knew the need for employees was high, and I wanted to be able to do more to help," Childers said. "I knew shortly after I started working here it would be the place I want to retire from.

"Reid prioritizes teamwork and patient care. We come together and do what's needed where it's needed to make sure our patients are taken care of."

Co-workers praise Childers' willingness to jump in whenever needed, always with a smile on her face.

"She has an infectious laugh and an upbeat attitude that raises the spirits of her co-workers," one person said.

"Her attitude and personality need to be mirrored by everyone," another co-worker said. "She's a joy to work with, and her work ethic is definitely something to brag about."

"Melissa's hard work and dedication to Reid is phenomenal. She does an amazing job at finding the best-priced inventory and is very passionate about her role. We're so lucky to have her! Her cheerfulness and laughter are definitely contagious!" -- Co-worker

It's that willing-to-do-what's-needed-to-get-the-job-done spirit that Childers hopes to instill into her three children.

"My children motivate me. I work hard to give them a good life and to teach them a good work ethic," she said.

Originally from Doddridge County, West Virginia, Childers moved to this area as a young child and graduated from Richmond High School. She now lives in Centerville, Indiana, and serves as vice president of the Centerville Music Boosters.

"My position is very rewarding knowing I work hard daily to help provide the organization with the medications they need to treat patients," Childers said. "I enjoy having a part in making medications more affordable for patients. With all the drug shortages and rising costs, it can be very challenging but knowing in the end I'm able to help in such a big way makes it all worth it."