Debbie Young joined Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) in 1996, working in Community Case Management and immediately embracing the Hospital’s mission of improving the health of the community.  Community health and patient care were two aspects Debbie enjoyed most about working at LMHS.  She was promoted to Director of Community Case Management in 1999 and became Vice President Patient Care in 2001, managing the nursing and clinical departments of Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) in addition to community case management and rehabilitation services.

“Moving into a management position showed me the wide scope of community benefits LMHS provides to meet the healthcare needs of Licking County residents,” said Debbie.  “LMHS established a number of free community-based programs that are designed to improve our community’s overall health and wellbeing, such as the Active•Fit and Active•Senior programs, the Wellness Exercise Program, and home care visits for patients in need,” Debbie explained.  As community-based programs expanded, Debbie became Vice President of Allied Health Services and Community Health & Wellness.

One of Debbie’s most memorable accomplishments at LMHS was establishing what is now known as the Clarissa Ann Howard Nursing Award for Clinical Excellence.  “Nurses Week always has been a huge celebration at LMHS, and I wanted our organization to recognize those nurses who demonstrated expertise, professionalism and clinical excellence in the delivery of direct patient care,” Debbie explained.  In 2002, the LMHS Nursing Award for Clinical Excellence was created.  In 2009, the award was renamed the Clarissa Ann Howard Nursing Award for Clinical Excellence to honor Ann’s 50-plus years of dedication to LMHS.

Debbie assisted in the enhancement of clinical services provided to patients.  She modified the nursing model of care at LMH to help nurses assess, plan and deliver patient care more efficiently and reduce the nurse-to-patient ratio.  Debbie’s experience in nursing and management also enabled her to assist with the design of the nursing area located in the John and Mary Alford Pavilion, which allowed for a more efficient delivery of patient care.

During her career, Debbie witnessed the expansion of health services provided at LMHS, which helped keep health care local.  The John & Mary Alford Pavilion was constructed in 2007, which provided advanced surgical procedures not available at other Ohio hospitals.  The LMH Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit opened in 2012, and completion of the Licking Memorial Medical Campus addition in 2019 offered a new location for Outpatient Rehabilitation and a Wellness Center.  Licking Memorial Vascular Surgery was added in 2020, which increased awareness for vascular disease and improved community access to vascular health.

Debbie has kept herself busy since her retirement.  She babysits her three granddaughters, Aubrey, Ainsley and Rylie, a few times a week and enjoys spending time with her large family.  Debbie lives in Newark near The Ohio State University at Newark campus, where she enjoys taking walks and riding her bike outdoors.  She also loves swimming and gardening.  In the fall, Debbie will resume her involvement in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Lunch Buddies program.  She also enjoys traveling and is looking forward to a month-long RV trip with her family to visit several national parks and monuments out west, including Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.