Emanuel Medical Center’s Jana Mitchell, who is the Director of Emergency Preparedness for all of the Central Valley Doctors Health System, has been honored as a Tenet Hero, one of the highest distinctions across the Tenet Healthcare system. The award recognizes her outstanding leadership and work in emergency preparedness and her lasting impact on both the hospital and the broader Central Valley community. A surprise ceremony was held for Mitchell on Tuesday at EMC with family and friends in attendance.  

Mitchell was specifically recognized for going above and beyond her daily responsibilities to ensure that Emanuel Medical Center is ready for any emergency situation. She has trained hospital leaders in the Incident Command System, led mock drills and emergency response exercises, and developed strong partnerships with local and state agencies. Her work was also a highlight of the hospital’s Community Health Fair last Fall, where she coordinated the participation of emergency responders and even arranged the landing of a Medi-Flight helicopter.

In her nomination materials, colleagues described Mitchell as compassionate, dependable, and always willing to step in when needed. Her leadership was cited for excellence in guiding staff during high-pressure situations, mentoring future leaders, strengthening ties with the community, and consistently exemplifying the values of teamwork, resilience, and service.