Medline employee Dana Gill is the company’s third annual Volunteer of the Year Award recipient. In 2022, she volunteered more than 250 hours with various organizations such as the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, also known as the “Z Center,” the American Heart Association, Center on Halsted, The Trevor Project , Lurie Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation and more.

Gill was nominated for her volunteer efforts at the Z Center, which provides a call line and support for victims of sexual assault and abuse, as well as education programs for community members, police officers and medical staff. The award also recognizes Gill’s efforts as the philanthropy chair for Medline’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, and her regular hosting, planning and participation in Medline volunteer events. In honor of Gill, Medline is donating to the Z Center, a long-time Medline nonprofit partner.

Honoring leadership in volunteerism

“This award honors leadership in volunteerism, recognizing an individual that goes above and beyond to give back to the community,” said Evelyn Miller, senior manager, Environmental, Social & Governance. “When you think about what it means to make healthcare run better, it includes addressing important issues such as health equity. So much of Dana’s service has been focused on cultivating a more equitable and inclusive world – specifically for women and the LGBTQ+ community. In her personal and work life, she is the true embodiment of what this award represents.”

In recognition of her commitment to the organization, Gill was recently named to the Zacharias Associate Board. Last year, her team oversaw four events that drew a total of 600 attendees and raised more than $24,000 for the organization’s programs. Additionally, she helped staff the call center, provided medical advocacy and court advocacy for survivors, lobbied on behalf of survivor-centered organizations to the Illinois Senate, and helped create and facilitate training programs to help parents and loved ones gain the skills and communication tools to navigate the complexities of abuse.

Helping others ‘through the toughest times’

“The Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center will forever have a lasting impact on me,” said Gill, a product manager in Medline’s Rehab and Fall Prevention division. “The people whom I have met and the survivors I have worked with are so strong, and the gratitude they express is so heartwarming. The work is difficult, but knowing that you helped someone through the toughest times in their life is rewarding in a way words can’t describe.”

At Medline, Gill served as team captain last year in a fundraising walk benefitting the American Heart Association. The team was one of the largest, and placed in the top five in terms of money raised.

“Dana’s commitment to volunteerism – at Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center and at Medline – is unmatched,” said Miller. “She is raising the bar for what it means to serve.”

Learn more about how Medline is making a difference in our communities.