Sovah Health Names 2026 Mercy Award Winners
May 19, 2026
Sovah Health recently announced that Christopher Clark (Martinsville campus) and Venee Mayo (Danville campus) have been recognized as the facility’s 2026 Mercy Award winners. 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 Sovah Health, our caring and compassionate team members are at the heart of advancing our mission of making communities healthier – and Chris Clark and Venee Mayo are shining examples of this day in and day out,” said Steve Heatherly, Market President of Sovah Health. “We are so proud to recognize their many contributions to caring for patients, supporting our hospital, and serving our community. I’m grateful for Chris and Venee’s positive influence and the example they set for all of us.”
Clark, Clinical Informatics Pharmacist at Sovah Health – Martinsville, received nine nominations recognizing his dedication to patient care, mentorship and collaboration throughout the hospital. Colleagues described him as a trusted resource who consistently goes above and beyond to improve patient outcomes and support fellow team members. Nominations highlighted his compassionate approach to helping patients and families, mentoring pharmacy students, and working closely with providers and staff to improve care processes and ensure patients receive the highest level of support.
Mayo, Market CME and Wellness Director at Sovah Health – Danville, was recognized for her uplifting leadership style, commitment to employee wellness and passion for serving the community. Her nomination highlighted her ability to foster teamwork, empower others and create meaningful connections throughout the organization. In addition to her work at Sovah Health, Mayo is actively involved in the community through organizations and volunteer efforts including Southside Virginia SHRM, Danville Social Services, the Cancer Society and the Board of Elections.