Lifepoint Health Honors Shannon Carefoot with 2026 Companywide Mercy Award

Willamette Valley Medical Center employee awarded company’s highest honor 

 Brentwood, Tennessee (September 8, 2026) – Lifepoint Health®, a diversified healthcare delivery network dedicated to making communities healthier, has named Shannon Carefoot from Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville, Oregon the recipient of its 2026 companywide Mercy Award. Carefoot, who serves as director of critical care services, was honored for her genuine compassion, commitment to patients and dedication to serving her community. 

“Shannon’s character and tireless commitment to making a difference at her hospital and in her community are truly inspiring,” said David Dill, chairman and CEO of Lifepoint Health. “Her warmth, generosity and devotion to serving others beautifully reflect Scott Mercy’s legacy and make her a deserving recipient of this esteemed recognition.”

Lifepoint’s companywide Mercy Award is the top honor given annually to one of nearly 59,000 employees who has profoundly impacted the lives of others and embodies the spirit and values upon which the company was founded. It was established in 2001 to honor the life and legacy of the late Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), and is the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

“Serving more than 24 years at Willamette Valley Medical Center, Shannon has always been the kind of leader whose influence is far-reaching,” said Willamette Valley Medical Center CEO Dewane Pace. “She leads with compassion in every interaction, caring not only for each patient’s clinical needs but also for their dignity, comfort and humanity. Her kindness and gentle heart leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets, and the world is a better place because of Shannon Carefoot.”

Carefoot’s commitment to patient dignity is best illustrated through the “No One Dies Alone” program. She built the program from the ground up, recruiting and training volunteers to sit with patients who are facing the end of life without loved ones by their side. Because of her leadership, the program continues to thrive, and no one has to spend their final moments alone. She brings that same care to her team, finding simple ways to make colleagues feel seen and appreciated -- whether by keeping framed photos of team members in her office or sharing handwritten notes of encouragement.

Beyond her positive impact at the hospital, Carefoot is actively involved with several organizations that help make life better for others. She has served as the board chair and helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity and volunteers with an organization called Be My Eyes, where she works with visually impaired individuals to help them complete daily tasks. Additionally, she participates with Letter Against Isolation’s letter-writing program to bring solace to senior citizens experiencing social isolation and volunteers with reading programs through the local library to help promote childhood literacy. These are just a few efforts that reflect Carefoot’s belief that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

Carefoot was formally recognized during a special awards celebration in Nashville, Tenn. on September 2.