Masked crusaders: The unsung heroes at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital

Kathryn Collazo, security officer (27 years)

“The job is still the same, security is still the same. The only differences is we have more stationary posts, and we interact with visitors, patients, team members, vendors and more.” — Kathryn Collazo, security officer

Frankie Martin, transporter (six months)

“My work ethic has always been the same. You just take it day by day and treat all the patients as equals. You try to keep a smile on your face like any other time.” — Frankie Martin, transporter

Kristy Shimp, medical technologist (three months)

“I’m new — the pandemic was named about two weeks after I got here. It really affected the amount of changes we were seeing on a daily basis.” — Kristy Shimp, medical technologist

Angel Torres, clinical chaplain (13 years)

“My father died two weeks ago in New York because of the virus, so it’s been a challenge not just trying to be that support to the families and patients but also dealing with my personal issue. ” — Angel Torres, clinical chaplain

Amanda Smith, manager of volunteer and guest services (one year at Health Central, five years with Orlando Health)

“I went from 267 (volunteers) coming to me every week to not having them anymore, but the hospital still needs some of the things they do on a daily basis done.” — Amanda Smith, manager of volunteer and guest services

Lorraine Chen, pharmacy manager (21 years)

“We’ve had to make different changes with the pharmacy and how we operate day to day so we can keep the public safe and keep our staff safe.” Lorraine Chen, pharmacy manager

Brian Shores, assistant facility manager (seven years)

“You’re more aware of what you’re touching and your cleanliness. When I go home, I undress in my garage before I go into my house — I used to not do that — to just try and keep my family safe.” Brian Shores, asst. facility manager

Noel Ortiz, central supply team lead (two months)

“It has been a little sad knowing some of the things going on with some of the patients we’ve had. I actually have admired how we have come together and the teamwork that we have had.” Noel Ortiz, central supply team lead

Claudette Forestal, environmental service tech I (10 years)

“It is fine, because we have everything we need — PPE — and we have been prepared before this happened. With COVID-19 we weren’t even scared, because we have everything we need and we have good training.” Claudette Forestal, EVS