Community Health Champion: Laura Ordaz

Health and community are central to Laura Ordaz’s life. On any given day, you might find her exploring the outdoors on a run with her best friend, Dolly, a German Shorthaired Pointer. She may also be perfecting a yoga pose at a local studio or supporting a small business by picking up nutritious food. When it comes to investing in community health, Laura leads by example through both her actions and her generosity.

Raised in Dempseytown, Laura returned to the area after college to begin her career in mechanical engineering at Komatsu Mining, formerly Joy, in Franklin. While her professional work focuses on designing underground mining equipment, her free time is dedicated to serving causes close to her heart. Her passion for wellness and service led her to become a member of the Northwest Hospital Foundation Corporation and a committed donor to the Foundation.

As a young professional building her life in Venango County, Laura is deeply invested in the essential role healthcare institutions play in a strong community. “Our hospital is a critical resource,” she shared. “You never know when you or someone close to you will need it, but when that moment comes, you rely on it to be there with exceptional care.”

That same sense of responsibility is what motivates Laura to donate blood when possible and promote the Community Blood Bank (CBB) drives. All blood donated through CBB at drives in Venango County stay in our area and are used at UPMC Northwest. “As community members, we have a duty to take care of one another. When I give blood to CBB or make a donation to the Northwest Hospital Foundation, I know it is helping someone right here at our hospital. “

Laura plans to remain in the community she loves and continue making a meaningful impact. “I want to keep improving the quality of life for everyone here,” she said. “Supporting the Foundation ensures that UPMC Northwest can continue providing the best possible care, now and for generations to come.”