Chasity Nunez, beloved member of the MIT Health community, passed away on March 5 at the age of 27. Known as “Chas” to those who knew her, Nunez worked as the patient safety and clinical quality program coordinator at MIT Health. In this role, she was dedicated to upholding high safety standards within the organization, training staff on reporting procedures and best practices for patient safety.
Hired by Elene Scheff, the Director of Clinical Collaborations and Partnerships, Nunez was described as a perpetual learner. She was pursuing a graduate degree in informatics, marking her second master’s degree. Nunez’s passion for collaborative work and her dedication to the health and well-being of the MIT community left a lasting impact on those around her.
As the MIT Chief Health Officer Cecilia Stuopis noted, Nunez was beloved by her colleagues for her powerful dedication to patients within the MIT community. Beyond her work at MIT Health, Nunez was an active member of the U.S. Army National Guard, serving as an IT support specialist in Connecticut. She was always eager to improve upon herself and learn new skills, embodying a can-do spirit that inspired those around her.
Janis Puibello, Nunez’s manager, and associate chief of nursing and clinical quality at MIT Health, highlighted her hunger for personal and professional growth. Michele David, chief of clinical quality and patient safety, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Nunez’s willingness to tackle any challenge by saying, “I don’t know how to do it, but I will find out!”
Nunez’s dedication to her work and her community will always be remembered by her colleagues at MIT Health. To honor her memory, MIT Health established a GoFundMe campaign to support her surviving daughter. The campaign exceeded its fundraising goal, with all proceeds donated to Nunez’s family for her daughter’s future education. Chasity Nunez’s impact on the MIT community will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of working alongside her.