Oona Velasquez, center core specialist for surgical services at McLaren Greater Lansing, has been recognized as one of the Lansing Latino Health Alliance’s 2024 Outstanding Hispanic/Latino Caregivers. The award was presented to Velasquez, among McLaren leadership and coworkers, along with her family and friends, at the Lansing Latino Health Alliance ceremony on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
This award is given annually to a caregiver who has made a significant impact in the life of a patient, exceeded expectations in carrying out their responsibilities, and demonstrated exceptional professionalism in the workplace. Velasquez was nominated for the award by her co-workers, recognizing her outstanding achievements in these areas.
Inspired by her mother’s career as a NICU nurse, Velasquez knew she wanted to do something in the medical field, and she has now worked at McLaren for over 12 years. Though initially unsure of her specific role, she was certain that health care would allow her to make a meaningful impact on her community, even outside of direct patient care. When she came to McLaren, she found the surgical services department and fell in love with the importance of her job and the people she worked with, who helped guide her to where she is today.
“I look forward to going to work every day,” said Velasquez. “What I love most is the people that I work with and their dedication. Every day, I see the pride they have in what they do and the care they give and show for our patients and the support they give to me; it has greatly impacted my career.”
Velasquez’s co-workers describe her as the engineer, coordinator, and liaison for surgical services. She keeps track of sterile and nonsterile instruments coming and going between the operating room and the sterile processing department, prioritizing and timing sterilized items for use throughout the day and ensuring transitions in the operating room are seamless and carried out without delay. Velasquez is known within her department for her kindness and eagerness to step in and help where it is needed.
Velasquez grew up in the Lansing area and is proud to continue to support her community through her career.
“I was very surprised to have been nominated for this award and I am honored to be recognized,” said Velasquez. “I grew up in this area, and I love this community, so I’m thankful that I can do something that has a positive impact.”
McLaren is proud to recognize Oona Velasquez and her outstanding care for our community.
The Lansing Latino Health Alliance was founded as an advocacy organization in 2003 with the mission of raising the health status of Latinos in the greater Lansing area. Since 2003, the Alliance has informed the community and policymakers of health discrepancies and health needs of Latinos, advocated for change and improvement, and testified before legislative committees on these issues. The Alliance regularly collaborates with Lansing hospitals on various projects.