Rockland County, NY – In celebration of National Nurses Week, the Rockland County Legislature recently honored three local nurses for their outstanding contributions to healthcare and community service. Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul, a nurse with more than 30 years of experience, presented Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) to Glenn Albin, Gaelle Duvivier, and Mary Laiju Shine Kelanthara. The DSA is the highest honor bestowed by the Legislature, recognizing those who have gone above and beyond in their professional and volunteer work.
May, traditionally known as the month to celebrate nurses worldwide, is a fitting time to acknowledge the exceptional work of these individuals, especially considering May 12 is Florence Nightingale’s birthday, the founder of modern nursing. Dr. Paul, who has dedicated her life to nursing, emphasized the deep impact these honorees have made in both their healthcare careers and the Rockland County community.
Albin, a former tax auditor turned paramedic and emergency room nurse, has served in the South Orangetown Ambulance Corps since 1981. Now with 44 years of volunteer service under his belt, Albin continues to serve the community while also mentoring new nurses and teaching Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Life Support. Albin’s career at Nyack Hospital, where he works as the Trauma Program Performance Improvement Coordinator, has been marked by his commitment to both patient care and community education.
Duvivier, a Certified Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, has been with Mount Sinai Health System for over a decade. Her passion for teaching is evident in her role as an Assistant Professor at SUNY Rockland Community College. Dr. Duvivier is not only dedicated to her patients but also actively volunteers with the Haitian American Nurses Association (HANA) and works to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Her scholarship and research focus on improving breastfeeding rates and addressing healthcare disparities.
Kelanthara, a Registered Nurse with 28 years of experience, currently serves as a Nurse Administrator and Infection Control Nurse at Hudson Valley Developmentally Disabled State Operations. Originally from Kerala, India, Nurse Kelanthara has had a diverse career across multiple hospitals in New York and is deeply involved in community service. In addition to her nursing career, she volunteers with the ‘Help Age India’ organization and has taught catechism and participated in cultural activities at her local church.