(April 4, 2025) – We know many individuals in Kansas are instrumental in making a difference for hospitals in Kansas and the health care they provide in our communities. Whether these individuals work in a hospital or outside our ranks, the Kansas Hospital Association wants to recognize their efforts. To honor those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, we need you to let us know who they are by nominating them by June 1. KHA members are encouraged to make nominations in our online awards portal for the following awards:
Charles S. Billings Award – The award recognizes a hospital leader for his or her lifetime of service and continuing contribution to the health care of Kansas. This is the top honor given by KHA. This award was established in 1971 to honor KHA’s first president, Charles. S. Billings' dedication and years of service to Kansans.
Distinguished Health Care Advocate Award – The award honors individuals, organizations or groups that have demonstrated their commitment to health care through participation in the public domain. This award allows members of KHA to recognize those who work on our behalf from outside our ranks.
Donald A. Wilson Visionary Award – The award recognizes hospital-related individuals who have made outstanding, innovative contributions to health care delivery, health care financing or initiatives that improve their community's health and clinical outcomes. This award was established in 2007 to honor long-time KHA president and CEO Donald A. Wilson’s dedication and years of service to Kansans.
Trustee of the Year Award – The award recognizes and honors a hospital board member from each facility who is a leader, gives back to the community and routinely goes beyond the call of duty. KHA members are encouraged to recognize a trustee who has served with distinction and made significant contributions to the betterment of their hospital and community.
Heart of Health Care Award – The award recognizes and honors the excellence of health care workers statewide. Previously, the Health Care Worker of the Year Award. All nominated employees (one employee from every hospital) will be recognized by KHA for making a significant contribution to the betterment of their hospital.
Workforce Strategies Award – The award recognizes a team of employees, providers or volunteers who worked collaboratively to make a significant contribution to the wellbeing, retention or recruitment of health care workers at their facility(s) or in Kansas.
I thank you in advance for your assistance in helping us identify and highlight those individuals deserving of our recognition. Nominations are due June 1. Nominations can be made in our online awards portal. Learn more about KHA awards online.
--Chad Austin