News

As someone who has worked in Safety & Security for 25 years, Barbara Walker has seen her share of tough days and difficult encounters. Through it all, her co-workers see only grace, poise and quiet courage. Those qualities—along with her commitment to the wellbeing of her community—have earned her the 2024 James R. Lientz Humanitarian Award.

Walker was named as this year’s recipient by SJ/C President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey during a special ceremony in Candler Hospital’s Marsh Auditorium. The James R. Lientz Humanitarian Award is given annually to a co-worker who exemplifies the St. Joseph’s/Candler’s mission (“Rooted in God's love, we treat illness and promote wellness for all people”) and values of Compassion, Quality, Integrity, Courtesy, Accountability and Teamwork.

“She sees the good, the bad and the ugly,” said one of the nominations for Walker. “She works long hours, but never complains. Her smile lights up a room and tends to make others feel everything is going to be okay. I have also seen her calm a combative patient with soft voice and willingness to listen. She embodies what it means to be a humanitarian.”

Walker is the Manager of Safety/Security at St. Joseph’s/Candler. She and her team handle a variety of challenges and work proactively to prevent theft, conflicts or any other kind of disturbance. They respond swiftly to emergency requests and use their knowledge of hospital policy, surveillance, and de-escalation to keep co-workers, patients and visitors safe.

Outside of work, Walker is an advocate for the homeless and those struggling with mental illness. She uses her years of security experience to help her community, and has been known to help monitor her neighborhood during natural disasters. Walker even opened her home to strangers who had been suddenly displaced by tornadoes in Pembroke.

Walker was chosen among 120 nominees from 59 different departments. Co-workers are nominated by their peers for the example they set through their work at SJ/C, as well as for their humanitarian efforts that reflect the life of former Candler Board Chairman James R. Lientz.

The late James R. Lientz served as a Trustee of Candler Hospital beginning in 1959, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1970 to 1991, and as Chairman of Candler Health System Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1992. Along with his service to St. Joseph’s/Candler, Lientz took a leadership role in many Savannah organizations including the Georgia Infirmary, the Health Planning Council of Savannah, and United Way of the Coastal Empire.

As the 2024 recipient, Walker will receive a $3,000 honorarium, a one-year parking pass in the location of her choice, a one-month cafeteria meal pass, a St. Joseph’s/Candler watch and the Lientz plaque and pin.