(Aug. 9, 2024) – The Kansas Hospital Association's Heart of Health Care Worker Award highlights hospital employees who have made a significant contribution to the betterment of their hospital. This week, KHA honors Nicole Baum, Holton Community Hospital, Holton, for her service and contributions to health care.
In just over three years with Holton Community Hospital, Baum has continually led with contagious enthusiasm for anyone around her. As department director for the Senior Life Services program, she reaches out not only to internal departments but regularly into the community to lead positive change surrounding mental health care.
Baum is passionate about taking care of her community, particularly those in their senior years who are struggling with mental health concerns. She has been instrumental in getting employees outside of their comfort zones and speaking in community settings, such as schools, the local library or senior citizen centers, about a wide array of topics, keeping everyone's health, safety and well-being at the core of the discussion.
In addition to this role, Baum actively participates in the internal Recruitment and Retention Committee, giving employees a strong voice. She regularly brings new ideas and encourages others to think outside the box. Baum accepted the role as the Holton Community Hospital foundation director just over a year ago and has led the organization through multiple new initiatives, including new venues and community partners to support the hospital.
Baum led HCH's first-ever "We are Stronger Together" Color Run, achieving City Commissioner support, allowing people in their homes to raise awareness for all types of cancer and showering the more than 100 runners with color paint. Baum promotes community issues such as "Safe Routes to School" and community grants. She led initiatives such as adopting family tree gifts at Christmas time and promoted new ideas such as delivering the paper to all employees and encouraging pen pal letters to local nursing home patients.
Baum, and other Heart of Health Care Worker Award nominees, will be recognized during the KHA Awards Luncheon at the 2024 KHA Annual Convention on Sept. 5, 2024, at Sheraton Overland Park/Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park.
--Shelby Stacy