CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Karla Davila was named the Central Region’s Public Health Nurses of the Year, by the Virginia Department of Health. As a teenager, Davila knew she wanted to be a nurse.
Since she was 15, Karla Davila knew public health was her calling. She interned at the Chesterfield Health Department, where she discovered she could use her bilingual skills to help clients fully understand processes and procedures and make informed decisions about their health care. After receiving her nursing degree, she continued to use those skills as part of the Women’s Health Team.
She even took on the added responsibility of leading the grant-funded March of Dimes Baby Basic Moms Club, designed for moms who are unable to attend more traditional childbirth classes. Karla managed the details of the grant and even provided English/Spanish interpretation of the bi-weekly presentations. Her fellow workers describe her as a tireless advocate for her clients and say that she always has a smile on her face.
“Karla’s ability to clearly convey health information to the Latino community meets a vital need and empowers her clients,” State Health Commissioner Marissa J. Levine said. “She serves as a wonderful example of public health nursing at its best.”
Nguyet “Nga” Nguyen, of Arlington County, was named Virginia Department of Health Public Health Nurse of the Year. Joyce Sample, of Norfolk, was named Nurse of the Year for Virginia’s Eastern Region.
