Namrata Khanal, a nurse from the Fairfax County Health Department’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) unit, was recognized by the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative (VNPC) at their annual meeting in Roanoke on Monday, October 20. Namrata was presented with the Joan Williamson Wonder Nurse Award, awarded to a nurse who goes “above and beyond” to provide excellent care, works as a team player, and serves the community.

Namrata’s role helps families facing difficult challenges by providing them with high-quality care that goes beyond basic medical needs. She also connects families with resources in the community that support their long-term health and well-being. These resources include mental health support for mothers during and after pregnancy, as Namrata firmly believes that when parents are healthy, their babies have a better chance to be healthy too.

“I feel very honored and humbled to be recognized,” Namrata said. “I’m so grateful to my coworkers for always supporting me, our MCH team, and the leadership at the health department for making this program possible.” She also thanked the families she works with, saying, “I truly appreciate the clients and families who trust us and allow us into their homes to take care of them.”

The VNPC’s mission is to make sure every pregnant woman, new mom, and baby in Virginia gets the best care possible. The Wonder Nurse Award is named after Joan Williamson, a respected OB nurse and one of the founders of VNPC. 

Get more information about Maternal and Child Health services or learn more about public health nursing in Fairfax County.