St. Joseph's/Candler’s 2026 McAuley Award Recipient is Pharmacist Crystal Horton!

Her story is one of an unsung hero, often behind the scenes (or the counter) as a Pharmacist at the Candler Prescription Center on the Candler Hospital Campus. She is known for going above and beyond, earning the respected of patients, physicians, and her co-workers.

Horton was one of the 130 St. Joseph's/Candler co-workers nominated for the McAuley Award by their peers. The nominees represented more than 55 various health system departments.

St. Joseph’s/Candler President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey announced Horton’s name at a special ceremony at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Thursday. The McAuley Award is named in honor of Catherine McAuley, who founded The Sisters of Mercy to bring education, healthcare, social justice, and spiritual guidance to those in need.

Hailing from Rhine, Georgia (a one stoplight town) Horton grew up on her family’s farm, helping grow peanuts, corn and watermelon. Family members said that from an early age she took on many tasks and moved right on to the next one, ever the hard worker. She also wanted to be a pharmacist for as long as they could recall.

When not working in Savannah, Horton returns to the family farm to help out wherever she can. She also volunteers to help with fundraisers for causes such as the Humane Society and the American Red Cross. One of her favorite activities, when she does take a few moments to herself, is when she gets to walk her Australian Labradoodle, Bear. 

As the 33^rd Annual McAuley Award recipient, Horton will have her name and image added to the bronze McAuley plaque displayed in the lobbies of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospital. She will receive a $3,000 honorarium, a one-year parking pass in the location of her choice, a one-month cafeteria meal pass, a gift certificate for a massage at SJ/C’s Wellness Center, a SJ/C watch and the McAuley plaque and pin.

Horton accepted her award with grace and gratitude, stating she preferred to be behind the scenes and that she felt all the other nominees deserved the award ahead of her. She said, “Daily, I get up and ask the lord to give me the eyes to see, as he would, just how I can help make someone’s life a little bit easier. I’m truly honored because I don’t deserve this…it is truly the greatest honor I’ve ever received.”