Stamford Health Employee Receives Healthcare Heroes Award

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Health announced this week that Meghan Salgado, an occupational therapist in the Cohen Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, has received the 2026 Connecticut Hospital Association Healthcare Heroes Award.

The annual award recognizes exceptional health care workers for their contributions to the profession and their communities. This year, the Connecticut Hospital Association honored a group of health care workers from hospitals across the state.

Salgado is an occupational therapist in Stamford Health's Cohen Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Certified in neonatal touch and massage, she provides developmental and neuroprotective care designed to enhance sensory-motor development, bonding and comfort for medically fragile infants and their families.

According to Stamford Health, Salgado's colleagues cited her clinical expertise, compassionate approach and commitment to professional growth.

Stamford Health said her practice is rooted in person-centered care, with interventions tailored to the unique needs, strengths and goals of each patient, while continually advancing the quality of care.

Since 2002, the Connecticut Hospital Association has recognized health care heroes during its annual meeting.

This year's meeting was held June 11 and honored health care workers representing a range of care settings from across Connecticut.

Recipients received a certificate from the association and a proclamation from the Office of Gov. Ned Lamont recognizing their leadership.

"Meghan embodies the very best of Stamford Health by bringing compassion, clinical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to her patients and colleagues every day,” said Stamford Health Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer Ellen Komar, in a news release.

"Her dedication not only elevates the care we provide but also strengthens the culture of collaboration and respect that defines our organization," Komar added. "We are incredibly proud to see Meghan recognized by the CHA, and we celebrate this well-deserved honor as a reflection of the extraordinary work happening across our teams."

Read more about each of the 2026 CHA Healthcare Heroes here.