Substance Use Navigator Sherrie Cisneros Named a “Hospital Hero” by the Hospital Association of Southern California

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) Substance Use Navigator Sherrie Cisneros, MSN, RN-BC was honored during the Hospital Association of Southern California’s (HASC) recent Hospital Heroes ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Los Angeles. Sherrie was one of just 16 hospital heroes recognized at the third annual award gala.

Sherrie began her career in nursing working in the surgical intensive care unit taking care of open heart patients. She ultimately was promoted and spent 15 years in hospital leadership. Five years ago, she transitioned to become the hospital’s substance use navigator after the hospital received a one-year grant to pilot a program.

As a substance use navigator at PVHMC, Sherrie works to provide awareness, prevention, resources and support for all substance use and all ages. she assists patients, community members, and employees with education about Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder and harm reduction services. Sherrie also links people with resources for inpatient, outpatient, or detox services as well as support services.

“In healthcare, we are healers, we want to help solve problems,” says Sherrie. “Many people are affected by substance abuse disorder and I’m working to bring awareness, education and change to attitudes about mental health and substance use disorders. There’s been such a tremendous need for this program that it has extended past the one-year grant and has become a part of our emergency department. I’m grateful to our hospital leadership who have recognized the value in sustaining this service for our community.”

During her five years in the emergency department at PVHMC, Sherrie has served as an educator to first responders across the community, teaching them how to use naloxone and addressing stigma. She’s overseen the installation of a free Naloxone Distribution Box at the entrance to its emergency department to help reduce Fentanyl overdoses. The public can access the distribution box 24/7 with no questions asked. Sherrie is particularly proud of this program to safeguard community health and ensure life-saving treatments are accessible to all, especially in life-threatening situations.

“It’s unfortunate, some people in our community don’t have a support system,” says Sherrie. “It’s important to help people who feel neglected, I tell them they’re worth it, come to the hospital and we will help you.”

HASC is dedicated to effectively advancing the interests of hospitals in Southern California with the goal of improving the operating environment for hospitals and the health status of the communities they serve. Working in partnership with the California Hospital Association, HASC provides leadership at the local, state and federal levels on legislation, budget concerns and regulatory issues.

To learn more about PVHMC Substance Use Disorder Services, visit: www.pvhmc.org/services/emergency-services/substance-use-disorder-services.