Lashawn Jones is honored as the 2025 Dr. John R. Melin Award recipient

The Dr. John R. Melin Award honors IU Health Methodist Hospital Facilities or EVS Department team members who go above and beyond their job descriptions.

Made possible by a gift from the late Dr. John R. Melin and his wife, Virginia, the Dr. John R. Melin Award typically is given annually to one IU Health Methodist Hospital team member who consistently exceeds expectations.

Nominated by fellow team members, winners receive a cash award to honor behind-the-scenes work, support of colleagues, and general professional excellence. To be eligible for the award, a team member must have worked for IU Health Methodist Hospital for at least three years.

IU Health Foundation is proud to recognize Lashawn Jones as this year’s winner of the John R. Melin Appreciation Award. Jones far exceeds the eligibility for the award, having worked at IU Health for 29 years. She had the opportunity to celebrate with her EVS colleagues at their daily team huddle.

Quotes from team members who nominated Lashawn Jones

“Jones is friendly, caring, a team player, and a valued team member. When she asks you how you’re doing, it is not about polite pleasantries. She actually means it. She cares about the staff, and she is invested in the well-being of each patient she cares for. I think she genuinely enjoys the work she does, and she provides a positive patient care experience. She doesn’t just come to work and do a “job,” but rather she is an essential family member on 7N.”

– Deirdre Matt, PT, CCS

“Whenever I’m on 7N, Lashawn always greets me with a friendly smile and asks about my day. She is a pleasure to work alongside and demonstrates compassion to the patients she is around and her coworkers.”

– Mary Riley, OTR/L

“I love how she makes every patient feel special and is so caring and conversational with everyone. She is so accommodating and willing to adjust what she is doing so we can optimize therapy goals and never complains about coming back to finish if it means a patient is safer with therapy by not having a wet floor. She always has a smile on her face and radiates happiness and joy. I love seeing her, and it always makes my day brighter!”

– Patti Lueck, PT, DPT, CCS 

“Lashawn is always kind and cheerful. She is a hard worker, and it is evident she takes pride in her work and cares about the patients whose environments she is helping to keep beautiful. I never go without a smile when I am lucky enough to cross paths with Lashawn.”

– Kristen Dyson, OTD, OTR 

“She exemplifies all the IU Health values through her daily compassion for patients. She provides a smiling face and asks how they are doing on a unit where patients are going through life-changing medical diagnoses. These patients need consistency from all support staff and Lashawn goes above and beyond daily to ensure these patients feel seen and cared for. As someone on the therapy staff, I appreciate her returning to rooms to finish mopping when we are working with patients to avoid increased fall risk. Even when she is floated to a different unit you will find her with a smiling face and thoughtful greeting. She brings brightness to the IU Health system.”

– Darie Kirschling, PT, DPT

“There are certain personalities where you feel lighter and brighter after you have interacted with them. Lashawn is one of those people. She is always positive, optimistic, and makes my day a little bit easier, whether she realizes it or not. Every time I have a patient up, she encourages them as well. I don't think she would consider any of these small acts to be "special," because that seems to be her nature. But she deserves to know that she is greatly appreciated and makes a positive impact every day.”

– Lynne Brittain, PT, DPT

To make a gift that reflects your family’s philanthropic priorities, contact IU Health Foundation at 317.962.1777 or allthedifferenceIN@iuhealth.org.