Susan Downs

Engineering Coordinator, Facilities and Engineering

Johnson Memorial Hospital

Johnson Memorial Hospital, a position she has held for the past 10 years. In her role, Sue organizes and maintains DPH-required documentation, acts as a liaison between vendors and the hospital, and coordinates her department’s services. Even though her workdays are full, Sue still finds time to be of service to the local community through her relationships with several Stafford-based community service agencies.

Sue credits her parents with building her initial awareness of the difficulties others may face, and for instilling a sense of appreciation for what she and her family had. As a child, Sue often accompanied her mother to a homeless shelter where she served as a volunteer. This experience was instrumental in developing Sue’s commitment to others and the local community. Sue’s mother and sister also enjoyed long careers in healthcare, and their positive work experiences prompted Sue to join the team at Johnson.

After she had been at Johnson for several years, Sue was asked to take over the annual effort to collect toys for the Stafford Holiday Gift Assistance Program, an annual initiative that supports local families during the holiday season. Under her tutelage, the collection effort at Johnson has grown considerably, and in December of 2024, Sue delivered four carloads of new unwrapped toys, including building blocks, dolls, arts and crafts, games, Lego sets, and “stuffies.”

Sue’s contribution to the local community goes beyond a once-a-year effort. She also organizes diaper drives for the Stafford Family Resource Center, filling a vital need because diapers and wipes are not covered by any social service benefits. Sue also participates in Stafford Childhood Collaborative meetings, where leaders gather to problem-solve around issues including childhood education and aftercare options for local families. For her part, Sue says she “loves to help people,” a simple reflection indicative of her innate desire to care for others. Sue Downs is Johnson Memorial Hospital’s Healthcare Hero.

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