Singing River Health System announces first recipients of Clinical Courage Award

September 26, 2026 - 23:45

The Singing River Health System has named the first recipients of its Clinical Courage Award. The honor comes from the Professional Development and Education Department and highlights nurses who stand up for their patients, ask hard questions, and choose the right path even when it is not the easy one.

Heather Mitchell and Hannah Talley are the first to receive the award. Both were chosen for their willingness to speak up and act with integrity in moments that demanded strength. The health system said it is proud to recognize the two nurses for their commitment to patient care and their example to others in the field.

The award was created to shine a light on the quiet, often unseen decisions nurses make every day. Advocating for a patient can mean challenging a decision, seeking clarity, or pushing for a better outcome. Those actions take courage, especially in fast-paced clinical settings where pressure runs high.

Mitchell and Talley represent the standard the award hopes to promote. Their recognition marks the start of what the department expects will be a lasting tradition of honoring nurses who put patients first.