May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month. This annual celebration recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. At Centra, this month serves as a time to celebrate the stories of our AAPI team members, including the Flores family—a tight-knit Filipino family with deep roots at Lynchburg General Hospital. Of the seven Flores siblings, four currently work at Centra, continuing a family legacy in healthcare. Luis Flores, LPN, is based at Stroobants Cardiology Center and has worked at Centra for 20 years. Maria Flores, RN, works on B-41 (Oncology Unit) and has worked with Centra for 25 years. Ferdinand Flores is a mental health technician in the EmPATH Unit and has worked at Centra for 25 years. Lastly, Jane Flores-Tester, RN, works on B-31 (Surgical Unit) and part-time on the Adult Psychiatric Unit at Virginia Baptist Hospital, has worked at Centra for 25 years! Their eldest brother, Carlito, retired after 34 years as a psychiatric nurse, and their mother, Anita, also worked in Centra’s Supply Department, so it’s safe to say that their connection to Centra began decades ago. The siblings describe working together as meaningful, offering support, encouragement and sometimes, shared meals. “Working alongside my family gives me a sense of security and moral support. Challenges that come with work and at home, I know I have someone to talk to and lean on,” shared Maria. Thank you to the Flores family for their years of service and the care they bring to patients at Centra. We are so proud to have you as part of our Centra family. 💙 (fb)

Our Centra College nursing graduates just graduated a couple of Fridays ago, and we want to welcome Skye Hanson to our team! 💙🩺 “I have had a lifelong dream of working in the medical field, and my experience in the nursing field as a student has solidified this dream. I have found that being a nurse is the perfect combination of medical knowledge and compassionate care. I have had exceptional experience with my instructors, preceptors and the nursing staff at Centra, who have helped me learn and grow. I will carry their love, advice and knowledge with me and share it with others in my nursing career.” “In my last semester of nursing school, I had the opportunity to have clinical experiences in the ICU and found that it was the perfect fit for me. I am so excited to begin working in the Cardiothoracic ICU at Centra this summer!” (fb)