VVRMC Memorializes Late Mental Health Program Director

Sonia Maldonado, secretary of the Heritage Program for 30 years, reflects a moment before the plaque honoring the memory of Jaime Ortiz, director of the Heritage Program, at VVRMC's Anabelia Castillo-Lopez Tranquility Garden on Saturday, April 26.

At the center of Val Verde Regional Medical Center, you’ll find an outdoor courtyard known as the Anabelia Castillo-Lopez Tranquility Garden. With a large, senior tree giving ample shade and wind chimes ringing in the breeze, it’s a place designed to help hospital visitors find a moment of peace. In that same spirit, Jaime Ortiz made it his mission to help those he worked with find inner peace through his lifetime of social work and advocacy. Ortiz was the director of the Heritage Program, whose focus was mental health care, at VVRMC. 

In October 2024, Ortiz succumbed to his battle with leukemia at 72 years old, but he left a lasting impression on the health care community. On Saturday, a memorial service was held at the Tranquility Garden to dedicate a plaque placed near the entrance of the Garden to his memory.

"There are no words to [describe] such a genuine man, [or] his passion and commitment to the community of Del Rio," says Claudia Falcon, CFO of VVRMC and leader of the service. "His work never ended; it didn’t end here at work. He continued to persevere and serve others outside this workplace."

The plaque in Jaime’s memory is placed between 4 newly-planted yellow bell plants, which bear vibrant yellow flowers. The plaque reads "Planted in Memory of Jaime Ortiz, LCSW. For his service and dedication to the mental health and well-being of our community." The idea to memorialize Jaime Ortiz within the Garden came from Henry Gomez, friend and non-profit advocate, who spoke at the service. "The bells will be ringing for Jaime everyday," he said, referring to the yellow bell flowers. 

Henry Gomez shares a word about Jaime Ortiz at his memorial service at VVRMC's Tranquility Garden.

Members of Ortiz's family were also in attendance, including Marcos Ortiz, son, and Faith Nieto, daughter. "It brings us a great deal of joy that he’s being remembered," Marco tells DRN. "This means a lot to us. We’re proud of the time he put into helping people."

Family of Ortiz stand together before the area within VVRMC's Tranquility Garden dedicated to his memory.

From a 2017 article about pediatric mental health treatment, Ortiz is quoted saying, "We all need help at some point in our lives. Good mental health can facilitate good physical health which increases quality of life." Jaime dedicated himself to the service of others in need of mental health services, and inspired others to do the same throughout his career.

Linda Bailes, chairperson on the mental health committee of CHIC, the Community Health Improvement Coalition, worked closely with Jaime and says his passion for people brought out the best in her. "He touched a lot of people and gave us [his workers] a purpose. But it was more than that, because through his dedication and love of people he helped us help people through our individual gifts." 

"When he came down the hallway, there was just something about him that exuded goodness," says Dr. Julio Otazo, radiologist and chairman of the board of VVRMC.

For the goodness of character he showed to his patients and the important work that he did with the help of his fellow health care professionals, Jaime Ortiz’s legacy lives on at Val Verde Regional Medical Center.