Meet Elizabeth “Libby” Chanley, nominated for the Kansas Hospital Association Healthcare Worker of the Year.
Libby’s family moved to Kansas from Grand Rapids, Michigan when she was 5. During these early, formative years, she was deeply influenced by the human condition as she and her mother volunteered at a homeless shelter in Topeka. These experiences guided her to pursue a career in social work.
Libby graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology followed by a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Washburn University. Libby’s efforts were rewarded with a license to practice. After earning her LMSW, she worked in the child welfare arena advocating for foster children for more than ten years.
Today, Libby contributes to the successful transition of patients from the hospital by developing and implementing safe discharge plans. She also works directly with patients after provider visits with our Chronic Care Management Program.
Libby has dedicated her career to the well-being of others because her faith and belief is that every person deserves compassion and respect regardless of their circumstances.
She finds that her most proud moment is when she and her husband witness their 5 girls treat others with the same values as their mother.
In her nomination narrative, hospital leadership provided insight as to how Libby has served the mission of Newman Regional Health and our community for nearly a decade, meeting the social, emotional, and economic needs of our most vulnerable patients and families.
“Libby functions as a boundary spanner, facilitating communication among healthcare providers and community partners that offer critical social support for patients and the management of their acute and chronic health conditions. Boots on the ground, she has valuable insight and familiarity that can make all the difference in delivering effective care that addresses unique individual needs. Daily she tackles the inequitable distribution of resources and access to safe housing, healthcare, and food security to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and our community,” says Cathy Pimple MS, DNP, NE-CE Chief Administrative Officer, Newman Regional Health.
“Just last week, Libby secured a refrigerator for a mother caring for her child whose medication required refrigeration. She also found wheelchair-accessible transportation for out-of-town doctor appointments.” shares Ester Knobloch, Quality Manager. “It is an honor to work alongside Libby and witness daily the stories she shapes.”
“Libby is selfless and always positive. Regardless of any situation, she will ensure the patient leaves in a better situation than they arrived” states Lucas Markowitz, Director of Care Coordination. “She is truly the best social worker I have ever worked with.”
Libby, although humble in her accomplishments, has been recognized by organizational leadership, medical staff, and community stakeholders for the significant contributions she has made within our hospital system and community. Clinical teams of every discipline and setting make mention of her unwavering commitment and acknowledge her ability to serve as a catalyst between the healthcare system and community partners improving the daily living of others in our community.
Libby keeps the team focused on patients and families and how to overcome disparities and improve health. Commonly, she visits patients in their homes to better understand the environment that impacts the management of care. She influences the work of our clinical teams through information sharing on aspects that are not visible within the four walls of our healthcare system.
Libby understands that every moment matters, and she approaches interactions as high-stake encounters. She is always willing to do the uncomfortable and inconvenient to reduce the suffering of others. Authentically, she intentionally listens and affirms the humanity and dignity of everyone. Clinical professionals desire to team with Libby, knowing she will shape the memory of how our patients and their families will look back on their care.
Libby motivates the care team members in both the hospital and clinic settings daily. In addition to her role as a hospital social worker, she has facilitated the work of both the Chronic Care Management Program and Community Care Team Program. Her influence is also well-known by our community care partners. Her personal joy through human connections and endless efforts to make a difference is remarkable.