01/13/2026
On day two of True North Week, the statewide winner and honorable mention were announced for the Making Access Easy Award. This award is given to someone who makes health and care accessible and straightforward to the people we serve. They proactively mitigate barriers to remove distractions, enabling the entire care team, including patient and family, to focus time and energy on active participation in the care experience.
Of the 11 very qualified nominations from across the state (one from each Northern Light Health organization), AR Gould was proud that our nominee, Ashley Legassie, LCSW, our social worker at our Dialysis Center, was selected as the Honorable Mention!
Dialysis patients cannot survive extended periods of time absent of life-sustaining treatment. Ashley goes above and beyond to mitigate the barriers to treatment that often plague so many patients.
She plays an instrumental role in processing new admissions, advocating for ways to accommodate new patients as quickly as possible. She has instituted individualized meetings with new patients and their support teams (some to accommodate schedules as early as 5 AM!) to explain our treatment processes, sign consents, review insurances, talk about barriers, and more.
Ashley assists with timely transfers of patients to and from our facility, and, working with the home hemodialysis team, she prepares patients for the transition to home dialysis. Ashley guides patients through this transition to eliminate challenges, ensure their long-term success, and open an on-site dialysis opportunity for others in need.
Ashley works closely with other service providers to surround patients with resources and build comprehensive plans of care. Navigating financial assistance, coordinating with transportation agencies, offering guidance on the importance of an advanced directive, and even facilitating access to food – dialysis-diet approved, Ashley’s efforts extend far beyond regular weekly appointments.
Ashley always puts the patient first, spending hours talking with patients, recognizing the importance connection to build trust and provide comprehensive care.
To honor Ashley, hospital and Dialysis Center leaders presented her with a beautiful bouquet of roses, as well as cupcakes so she could celebrate with her coworkers.
