Member going strong after 50 years at HHH

By DEBORAH A. MILES
A lot of people may be eager to retire, but every once in a blue moon, you find someone like Mary Slapp.

This PEF member is 73 years old, has worked at Helen Hayes Hospital (HHH) for 50 years, and is still going strong.

“I think it’s absolutely fantastic,” said Carolyn Willson, an RN in the risk management department at HHH, Division 226 council leader and Executive Board representative for members at the state Health Department in Region 9.

Willson said the staff honored Slapp at a surprise party in June, complete with 50 balloons, cake and lots of smiles.

Slapp said her secret to a long career is “enjoying the people I work with and what I do.”

“I feel like I really accomplish something,” she said, referring to her job in the duplicating services department. “It feels great. Some days are hectic, because everyone wants something ASAP.”

Slapp has seen many changes throughout her 50 years. The duplicating department replaced the woodworking and machine shop. When she began to work at HHH in 1956, she was a hospital clinical assistant and helped patients who needed aquatic rehabilitative therapy.

She later transported patients to vocational therapy. In 1976, she studied at Rockland Community College for certification as an occupational therapy assistant.

“When I look back to the early years, it is rewarding to realize how many lives have been helped by Helen Hayes Hospital,” she said.