Life-saving efforts lead to state employee recognition

A Department of Mental Health employee from Saline County has been chosen as Missouri's June State Employee of the Month.

Tammy Holland, of Marshall, has worked for the department for more than 15 years.

In her nomination letter, Mental Health Public Affairs Director Debra Walker said: "Most direct support professionals hope they never have to use the training they receive to save a person's life. Thankfully, the quick thinking of Tammy Holland saved the life of a consumer."

Holland found a consumer completely unresponsive and instructed a coworker to call 911 then began CPR and rescue breathing, according to Walker.

"Her reactions were swift and calm, which gave confidence to other staff and ultimately saved this consumer," Walker said.

One of Tammy's coworkers said: "Tammy is a positive person who provides excellent care to the consumers she supports. She communicates well and has established positive relationships with both her coworkers and the consumers in her care."