Shelly Tansey Receives Dr. Marilyn J. Bull & Dr. Joseph O’Neil Legacy Award
6/15/2026
Shelly Tansey (middle) with Dr. Marilyn J. Bull (left) and Dr. Kaitlyn Edwards (right), the current medical directors of Safe Kids Indiana.
LAFAYETTE – Shelly Tansey, a community health specialist at Franciscan Health Lafayette, recently received the 2026 Dr. Marilyn J. Bull and Dr. Joseph O’Neil Legacy Award.
The award is named in honor of Dr. Marilyn J. Bull and Dr. Joseph O’Neil, two visionary leaders in pediatric care and injury prevention. It recognizes individuals whose work reflects a legacy of innovation and collaboration.
Tansey has been a steadfast advocate for child passenger safety in the Greater Lafayette community for many years. She has dedication, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to protecting children that reflects the very spirit of the award.
Since 1991, she has dedicated herself to ensuring that families have the knowledge, support, and resources needed to keep their children safe. Tansey’s leadership has strengthened programs, elevated best practices, and created a culture of safety that continues to benefit families across Indiana.
Through her work at Franciscan Health, Tansey has played a pivotal role in thousands of car seat inspections and safety checks. Even in 2024, while recovering from double knee replacement surgery, she organized and participated in 205 inspections, demonstrating a level of perseverance and devotion that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Tansey’s impact extends far beyond the inspection station. She leads both the car seat safety program and the Safe Kids Greater Lafayette coalition, expanding access to education, resources, and no cost car seats for families in need. Her partnerships with fire departments, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations have built a strong, collaborative network dedicated to protecting children.
As a child passenger safety technician (CPST) instructor, she has become a trusted mentor to new technicians, student nurses, and emerging leaders. Her calm, compassionate teaching style empowers others and ensures that every family receives individualized, accurate, and judgment free guidance.
In 2024, Tansey transitioned into a full-time community health specialist role at Franciscan, an acknowledgment of the decades she spent going above and beyond her job description to serve families. Her commitment to staying current with research, standards, and best practices continues to elevate the quality and credibility of the programs she leads.
Tansey’s legacy is defined by her passion, her perseverance, and her profound impact on the safety and well-being of children. She is admired not only for her expertise, but for her kindness, humility, and the genuine care she brings to every interaction.
Learn more about car seat safety checks at Franciscan.
The award is named in honor of Dr. Marilyn J. Bull and Dr. Joseph O’Neil, two visionary leaders in pediatric care and injury prevention. It recognizes individuals whose work reflects a legacy of innovation and collaboration.
Tansey has been a steadfast advocate for child passenger safety in the Greater Lafayette community for many years. She has dedication, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to protecting children that reflects the very spirit of the award.
Since 1991, she has dedicated herself to ensuring that families have the knowledge, support, and resources needed to keep their children safe. Tansey’s leadership has strengthened programs, elevated best practices, and created a culture of safety that continues to benefit families across Indiana.
Through her work at Franciscan Health, Tansey has played a pivotal role in thousands of car seat inspections and safety checks. Even in 2024, while recovering from double knee replacement surgery, she organized and participated in 205 inspections, demonstrating a level of perseverance and devotion that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Tansey’s impact extends far beyond the inspection station. She leads both the car seat safety program and the Safe Kids Greater Lafayette coalition, expanding access to education, resources, and no cost car seats for families in need. Her partnerships with fire departments, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations have built a strong, collaborative network dedicated to protecting children.
As a child passenger safety technician (CPST) instructor, she has become a trusted mentor to new technicians, student nurses, and emerging leaders. Her calm, compassionate teaching style empowers others and ensures that every family receives individualized, accurate, and judgment free guidance.
In 2024, Tansey transitioned into a full-time community health specialist role at Franciscan, an acknowledgment of the decades she spent going above and beyond her job description to serve families. Her commitment to staying current with research, standards, and best practices continues to elevate the quality and credibility of the programs she leads.
Tansey’s legacy is defined by her passion, her perseverance, and her profound impact on the safety and well-being of children. She is admired not only for her expertise, but for her kindness, humility, and the genuine care she brings to every interaction.
Learn more about car seat safety checks at Franciscan.
Media Contact
Tony Veneziano
Media Relations Specialist
Phone: 317-528-7986
Email: Tony.Veneziano@FranciscanAlliance.org