Perlis is a registered nurse who serves as the director of outpatient case management for TRHS.  Perlis works closely with physicians, nurses and social workers to help patients access needed community resources and obtain services such as long term care or home care after hospitalization.

Perlis has been with TRHS since 1991. She holds nursing degrees from the Tiftarea Technical Center, now Southern Regional Technical College-Tifton Campus, and Darton College, which was recently merged with Albany State University.

“Mary is known for her dedication to our patients, community and staff,” said TRHS senior vice president, acute care and chief nursing executive Carol Smith. “She has often been described as having the soul of a saint. It is not uncommon to hear of Mary taking food to our patients, getting them to their appointments or just simply stopping-by to check on a patient. Her compassion radiates to those around her and her passion for nursing is unmatched. She is a true inspiration to others.”

Smith said the job of Perlis is to help patients work-out difficult situations and to help find funding to meet their needs.

“Mary meets the social needs of patients again-and-again without leaving them feeling exploited or abused,” said Smith. “She humbly coordinates these efforts without taking credit.  She is blessed with an unwavering acceptance of others. When Mary approaches those in crisis, she is able to quickly and accurately identify their needs, establish their trust, and make them comfortable enough to accept the resources offered.”

Through nominations by patients, visitors and co-workers, a nurse is selected periodically by a special TRHS committee to receive The DAISY Award. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.