Heart of Health Care Award

Upcoming Events

Sunflower Health Network Board Meeting - Jan. 9

The Sunflower Health Network is a not-for-profit organization that consists of 26 counties located primarily in North Central and North West Kansas. Sunflower Health Network's (SHN) specific purpose is to improve the population's health status. The 26 member hospitals, in conjunction with their medical staff, have developed a network that fosters cooperation and coordination. The priority has been to enhance the integration of health-related services among the SHN member communities.

Quality Corner Call - Jan. 10

Quality Corner Calls are offered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Healthworks and focus on quality improvement activities consistent with the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Grant Program.

KHA Board Meeting - Jan. 22

KHA has a 21-member board of directors. They meet at least five times a year. Each board member holds three-year terms, with a two-term limit. The board has a composition of members from all geographic areas of Kansas all sizes and types of member hospitals are represented. The board also includes two hospital trustees and two physician members. Other participants include American Hospital Association delegate.

KHA's Advocacy Day - Jan. 23

Advocacy is at the heart of every service KHA provides for our members. Whether we are educating, advocating or relationship-building, we look for ways to assist policymakers at the federal, state and local levels in understanding the implications of the policies being discussed.

KHSC Board Meeting - Jan. 28

KHSC is a wholly owned subsidiary of KHA. Therefore, a secondary objective of KHSC is to support KHA in meeting its mission of serving hospitals. Its mission is to provide enhanced value to KHA members by evaluating and endorsing selected vendors of services needed by the KHA membership. KHSC will be a valuable resource to Kansas healthcare facilities and the Kansas Hospital Association as they serve their constituents.

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Heart of Health Care Award

Congratulations to our 2024
Heart of Health Care Recipients


Adam Galindo Newman Regional Health Emporia	Nathan Jameson Girard Medical Center Girard	Holly Peters Coffey County Hospital Burlington

	Nicole Baum Holton Community Hospital Holton
Doug Rich AdventHealth Ottawa Ottawa	Patricia Fuller Kiowa County Memorial Hospital Greensburg Jake Govert Greeley County Health Services Tribune	Allan Thomas Ascension Via Christi Hospitals Wichita

Purpose of the Award

The Heart of Health Care Award (previously the Health Care Worker of the Year) recognizes and honors excellence in health care employees statewide. All nominated employees (one from every hospital) will be recognized by KHA for making a significant contribution to the betterment of their hospital. Any type of employee can be nominated. They can be a tenured employee with years of service or a newer staff member. New this year, there will be additional recognition as a Rising Star if your nominee has been in health care (or employed in your hospital) for less than five years.

Criteria

Each hospital is asked to nominate ONE (1) individual. Health systems may make ONE (1) nomination on behalf of each of their hospitals, or select ONE (1) nominee to represent the entire system, but are encouraged to designate the hospitals in which the nominee primarily works.

Eligible individuals must be current employees of a Kansas Hospital Association member hospital. Nominees should demonstrate the following characteristics: leadership, teamwork, dedication and perseverance. The employee should be a role model for other staff and their work should reflect the values and mission of the hospital.

Key Dates

April – Call for nominations
June 1 – Nominations are due
June – Nominations reviewed by the committee
July – Recommendation presented to the Executive Committee for approval.
September – Awardee(s) honored at KHA Annual Convention.

Materials to Be Submitted:

All Nominations Must Be Submitted Electronically

Questions on the online nomination form:

1. How the nominee goes beyond the call of duty, is a great leader and/or a role model for other staff. (250 words or less)
2. How does the nominee show compassion, empathy and respect to patients, visitors and staff. How does the nominee promote an environment of cooperation and collaboration? (250 words or less)
3. Significant contribution(s) the nominee has made that benefited or improved the hospital. Other activities or reasons why this nominee should be considered, such as how the nominee gives back to the community and/or has overcome odds to succeed. (250 words or less)
We would suggest filling out answers to these questions in advance and then pasting them into the online form. If you have any difficulty with the online form, contact Jan Fenwick at jfenwick@kha-net.org.

Award Presentation and Recognition

Selected nominees awarded the Heart of Health Care Award will be honored by: Receipt of the Heart of Health Care Award and receive $500 in cash. Award recipients will be recognized during the KHA Awards Luncheon, Sept. 5, 2024 at the Sheraton Overland Park/Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, Kansas, on KHA's website and in a KHA press release.