Piedmont Newton honors employees for exceptional compassion and service

Covington, Ga. (August 4, 2026) – Piedmont Newton Hospital recently recognized three employees as its Fiscal Year 2026 Promise 360 annual award winners, honoring team members who exemplify Piedmont’s commitment to excellence and patient-centered care.

The annual awards celebration on July 9 recognized the hospital’s monthly Promise 360 winners from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Hospital leadership also announced an Annual Champion and two Annual Spotlight honorees.

“Every day, our employees demonstrate extraordinary dedication and compassion to those we serve,” said Piedmont Newton CEO Lindsey Petrini. “The Promise 360 awards allow us to celebrate their hard work and incredible impact.”

Nichole Howell, a care management supervisor, was named Piedmont Newton’s Annual Champion for helping a patient overcome a difficult obstacle on the road to recovery.

The patient was preparing to transition to a rehabilitation facility after suffering a fall at home, but an unexpected medical complication delayed her discharge. While others saw a complex challenge, Howell saw a person in need. Determined to help, she researched solutions, connected with a consultant to develop a treatment plan, and spent weekends at the hospital caring for the patient herself.

Howell sat with the patient, cared for her, listened to her stories, and made sure she felt seen. She continued to support the patient every day while coordinating with the rehabilitation facility and infection prevention team to ensure a safe discharge and successful recovery.

Bettina Johnson, an environmental services attendant, and Kali Hammond, a unit secretary in the hospital’s Imaging Department, were named the Spotlight honorees.

When Johnson arrived at the hospital one day to begin her shift, she heard a young girl at a nearby bus stop crying out for help because her grandmother could not breathe. When Johnson rushed to the scene, she found the girl bravely attempting CPR. Without hesitation, Johnson ran to the EMS building, alerted first responders, and guided them to the scene. Thanks to her quick thinking and decisive actions, the grandmother received the immediate medical attention she needed.

Hammond found herself on the receiving end of repeated calls after a patient experiencing confusion misdialed her daughter's phone number and reached Hammond’s extension instead. Rather than becoming frustrated, Hammond answered each call with patience, kindness, and understanding. She also brought flowers and a prayer blanket to the patient, letting her know that she was not alone. In a time marked with uncertainty, these simple gestures became powerful reminders that someone cared.