Mt. Vernon, IL (June 10, 2025) – SSM Health proudly announces that Brenda Schroeder, RN, BSN, ACM, Regional Director of Case Management and Utilization Management in Southern Illinois, has been honored with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates her more than four decades of exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the nursing profession.
Schroeder began her career with SSM Health in 1979 and has since become a cornerstone of the organization’s commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Known for her unwavering professionalism and collaborative spirit, she has mentored countless nurses and led her teams with integrity and vision.
“In over 40 years, she has accomplished so much and gracefully navigated the many changes in healthcare,” shared a colleague in her nomination. “She treats the team like family and is a true partner in every sense.”
The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award honors nurses who have devoted their lives to advancing the profession and improving patient outcomes. Schroeder’s legacy exemplifies these values, inspiring those around her and setting a high standard for future generations of healthcare professionals.
To be considered for the award, the nominees must have 25+ years of service, a distinguished career in nursing, a special concern for those who are underserved and marginalized, and be instrumental in implementing the mission of SSM Health with their team.
Locally the DAISY Award is sponsored by SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation and SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation. The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33; the care Patrick received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. DAISY stands for diseases attacking the immune system.
Learn more about the DAISY Award at www.daisyfoundation.org. Anyone can nominate an SSM Health extraordinary nurse online at www.ssmhealth.com/daisy.
About SSM Health in Illinois
SSM Health Illinois is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across southern Illinois through a robust and fully integrated health care delivery system. The organization’s 1,000 team members and more than 100 providers are committed to providing exceptional health care services and revealing God’s healing presence to everyone they serve.
With care delivery sites in Benton, Centralia, Mt. Vernon, Nashville, and Salem, SSM Health Illinois includes 2 hospitals, more than 43 physician offices and other outpatient and virtual care services, comprehensive home care and hospice services, and an intensive outpatient adult behavioral health program. It is one of the largest employers in every community it serves. For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook.
