Statesville, NC — If you’ve ever visited Iredell Health’s Outpatient Lab, you may have had the pleasure of meeting Odessa Holmes. Her compassion is something you wouldn’t soon forget.
Holmes’ journey at Iredell Health began 48 years ago as a CNA at Iredell Memorial Hospital in 1977.
“It was really a community hospital where everybody knew each other,” said Holmes. “We were a family, and everybody looked out for each other.”
In the 1980s, she went on to become a medical office assistant, working at gastroenterologist practices in Iredell and Catawba counties while maintaining PRN work at Iredell. In the mid 1990s Holmes returned home full-time as a phlebotomist where she has remained ever since.
“I’ve always been a science person, so the lab was a good fit for me. I had the best phlebotomy supervisor, Janice Cureton, who taught me so much.”
Many patients request her to draw their labs, citing her “special touch.”
“Everybody says ‘it’s an angel touch’ or ‘a blessing’ but you know, my compassion is from the heart. All of us down (in the outpatient lab) show it every day, especially with helping patients who have wheelchairs, walkers and canes.”
Several years ago, she was instrumental in establishing the mobile car draw program for these patients to have their labs done in the comfort of their vehicle. This was just one of the ways she touched lives during her tenure at Iredell.
“The name Odessa means ‘long journey’ in Greek,” shared Mark Berry, Iredell Health’s Laboratory Director. “Odessa is a shining example of great character, work ethic, professionalism, integrity, love for the patients in the community and love for her coworkers. Her long journey has been a part of Iredell Health laboratory for many years. She always has a smile, she is an example of Iredell’s core values and more.”
Later this month, Holmes will officially retire after her nearly five decades of service. She plans to travel with her husband and enjoy time with extended family.
Holmes wishes to leave a legacy of Iredell Health’s values which are respect, collaboration, integrity, and, most importantly to her, compassion.
“When I celebrated 40 years of service, Mr. Green (Iredell Health President & CEO) gave me an unsung hero award. This unsung hero wants to leave a legacy of compassion.”
Congratulations, Odessa.
