Person Memorial Hospital Names 2026 Mercy Award Winner

Person Memorial Hospital recently announced that Lannitt Clauden has been recognized as the facility’s 2026 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

Established in 2001, the Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

“At Person Memorial Hospital, our caring and compassionate team members are at the heart of advancing our mission of making communities healthier – and Lannitt Clauden is a shining example of this day in and day out,” said Bert Beard, Market CEO of Person Memorial Hospital.  “We are so proud to recognize her many contributions to caring for patients, supporting our hospital, and serving our community. I’m grateful for Lannitt’s positive influence and the example she sets for all of us.”

Born and raised in Person County, Lannitt Clauden has dedicated her life to serving others through compassion, faith, and encouragement. A lifelong member of the Roxboro community, she has built a reputation as someone who leads with kindness, uplifts those around her, and approaches every challenge with unwavering strength and grace.

Family has always been at the center of Lannitt’s life. She is a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who treasures the opportunity to care for and encourage others, both within her family and throughout the community. Her nurturing spirit extends naturally into every role she serves, whether in healthcare, ministry, or volunteer work.

Faith has also played a defining role in shaping who she is. For more than 20 years, Lannitt has served as a Praise and Worship leader at Cornerstone Community Christian Church, where her voice and testimony have inspired countless individuals. Through public speaking engagements, church involvement, and daily words of encouragement shared through social media, she continually motivates others to persevere through life’s hardships and “Keep Going!”

Lannitt’s personal journey through cancer profoundly deepened her commitment to helping others. Diagnosed in 2020, she faced treatment with courage, resilience, and faith, ultimately reaching complete remission in 2025. Rather than allowing her experience to define her limitations, she transformed it into a mission of advocacy and hope for others facing similar battles. Her willingness to openly share her story has educated, inspired, and comforted many throughout Person County and beyond.

Known for her warm smile, joyful spirit, and genuine empathy, Lannitt embodies the values of compassion, service, and perseverance. Her life experiences, coupled with her servant’s heart, make her not only an exceptional healthcare team member, but also a trusted source of hope and encouragement for patients, coworkers, and the entire community.

Each facility winner, including Lannitt Clauden, will be considered for Lifepoint’s 2026 companywide Mercy Award. The companywide winner will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., in September.