In Loving Memory........
Edna Daniels’ Story (1934-2019)
Edna Daniels would say that her ambition to serve others began early in life through an upbringing that taught her to follow the golden rule: treat each person as you would like to be treated. And she would have to say that this energy and empathy was deepened after her own personal journey through the devastating effects of sickle cell anemia and subsequent loss of her daughter Yolanda Carol Daniels. Described as “a nurse with a gift so natural that she herself was unaware of its influence and power,” throughout her career Edna Daniels has consistently practiced her craft to the benefit of others while elevating the nursing profession, both in the hospital and in the community.
In her role as Care Manager of the Mother-Baby Unit at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, Edna reached beyond her job description to co-author twelve Clinical Pathways, important new tools that today guide the standards of care for every aspect of the birthing experience. Each has been registered with the Library of Congress. The use of her Caesarean Section Clinical Path has resulted in mothers recovering faster, requiring fewer narcotics, and being ready to go home sooner. The Pathway nearest to Edna’s heart, however, is the one she created to address postpartum depression following the tragic drowning of five children by a Texas mother suffering from severe postpartum depression. A colleague wrote, “[We] now have a way to assess, identify, and educate our patients at risk for Postpartum Depression. …This has given us the potential of not only improving lives but saving them.” Expanding the impact, a National insurance company has recommended her material on this topic to all its physicians.
Beyond the hospital walls, Edna performed an abundance of community service. Most significant to her is the work she began with her daughter Yolanda to combat and manage the crippling effects of sickle cell disease. Together they created a community of support, encouragement, and education. Edna had the distinct privilege of unveiling the USPS Sickle Cell Disease Awareness commemorative stamp in Colorado Springs. Edna was named “Citizen of the Year” and held service awards from two sororities. She continued to tutor nursing students and promote health education on numerous topics.
Edna has been highly honored. Most notably, with both the state and local Nightingale Award for Human Caring because of her outstanding “professional commitment reflected through clinical expertise, leadership, community service and active participation in nursing organizations which promote growth of the profession and influence healthcare policy.” She was a motivator and visionary who continued to live out her goal to bring as many honors to the profession as it brought to her. Clearly, she elevated the field of nursing, increased interest in the profession, and personifies “Service for Humanity”.
On May 2, 2015 Edna earned the prestigious honor of becoming the Organizer of the Colorado Springs (CO) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
Scholarship Fund
We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Edna C. Daniels Scholarship. Ms. Daniels was the Organizer of the Colorado Springs (CO) Chapter. In this role, Ms. Daniels served as the guiding light for the establishment of the chapter.
Ms. Daniels was a dedicated health care professional, community steward, mentor, and friend. The Edna C. Daniels Scholarship will honor female student(s) residing in El Paso County in grades 6 - 8 who embody these characteristics and wish to attend camps/workshops and other enrichment activities during the summer.
Scholarship awards are up to $500. Students must meet specific criteria to apply.
Questions contact: info@coloradospringslinksinc.org
*All donations are tax deductible. Click here to donate.