The Summit Awards ceremony and Night of Excellence is a North American-wide recognition program established by the HealthCare Service Excellence Conference. This unique celebration recognizes exceptional Service Excellence by awarding nominees a Pinnacle Award. Pinnacle Achievers in each of the 18 award categories are then eligible to receive the prestigious Summit Award, which recognizes significant achievement and dedication in improving initiatives in the following areas:
The quality of service to patients/customers.
The quality of work life for professionals.
The performance of organizations.
Summit Award Recipients
Pinnacle and Summit Awards Recipients
Pinnacle statusis awarded to the top 3 or 4 nominees in each category.
Click on the black bar to see the 2021 Summit Award Recipient.
Service Excellence Advisor – 1st Year
A team leader and role model who encourages and supports others to improve
Noah Stevens, Allen Parish Community Healthcare, Kinder, LA Noah has made a difference in the lives of every single person she has come in contact with. She always has a kind word, a helpful hand, and a warm hug for everyone she encounters. She has also been an example to the organization, and ensures coworkers have a smile on their face.
Jessica Carlson, Madison County Health Care System, Winterset, IAJessica has a very caring heart, and always seeks out ways to best support those around her. She always has a “can-do attitude” and isn’t afraid to stand up for the culture change. She has gone above and beyond to make sure patients receive the care they deserve!
Missy Duggar, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MOMissy is passionate about Service Excellence. She is always eager to help and focuses on bettering processes on both a small and large scale. Missy’s talent is using her heart in all she does, and her natural ability to communicate as an SEA definitely sets her apart from others.
Lynndsey Harrison, Pike County Memorial Hospital, Louisiana, MOLynndsey is an amazing person who immediately brings out joy in others by her energizing personality, warming smile, and uplifting spirit. She is an exceptional contribution to PCMH, not only through her positive energy but by the lengths she goes to ensure great kindness to all.
Noah Stevens Allen Parish Community Healthcare
Service Excellence Ambassador
A role model with a positive attitude, who assists, motivates and guides SEA’s
Chelsey Abram, Grand River Health, Rifle, COChelsey loves learning and mentoring, and she has a knack of passing on what she learns to others. Her motivation and enthusiasm are contagious. Chelsey leads by example, and willingly offers her time and experience to help other SEA teams.
Keeighja Kinnie, Neighborhood Health, Fort Wayne, INKeeighja is a literal customer service rock star. She brings such a contagious, positive energy to every aspect of her job. Always interested in learning and growing, she is on a constant quest for excellence and inspires those around her to do the same.
Jackie Kannegieter, Osceola Regional Health Center, Sibley, IAJackie is the embodiment of a service excellence ambassador. She happily goes the extra mile for her patients, community and colleagues. She is patient, caring, kind, hard-working and understanding – she is the picture of ORHC Service Standards.
Keeighja Kinnie from Neighborhood Health.
Accepting Award is Maranda Coe
Exceptional Nurse
Provides outstanding levels of compassion and quality care. Is supportive, a good listener and is always improving
Linda Southam, Family Health West, Fruita, COLinda is the kind of nurse every patient wants to have. She is compassionate, funny and caring, and she immediately puts her patients at ease. Linda understands the concept of patient-centered care and treats everyone as if they were her family.
Carissa Haber, Neighborhood Health, Fort Wayne, INCarissa Haber is the epitome of an “exceptional nurse.” She is diligent, trustworthy, and efficient, with a wealth of knowledge and clinical skills. She has a positive attitude that is infectious, provides extraordinary customer service/patient care, and is a model employee.
Wayne Briner, Providence Medical Center, Wayne, NENot only is Wayne a compassionate and caring advocate for his patients, he also is an incredible team player. He is always approachable, friendly, energetic, and has exceptional communication skills. Wayne always performs his nursing duties with grace under pressure.
Jessie McLelland, Union General Hospital, Farmerville, LANo one has energy like Jessie. Through COVID, a hurricane, and snowstorms, nothing could prevent her from going above and beyond to ensure care for her patients. Jessie has been known to do wellness checks, home visits, and even run errands - whatever her patients need.
Linda Southamfrom Family Health West
Accepting Award is Lori Randall
Exceptional Employee
Provides exceptional service to both patients/customers and fellow employees
Holly Dierksen, Jackson County Regional Health Center, Maquoketa, IAHolly is a class act. She would do anything for anyone if it would help improve their situation. Her happy-go-lucky attitude and expertise make coming to work enjoyable for everyone! Holly is always willing to go the extra mile!
Rob Biondolino, Memorial Hospital, Carthage, ILRob has been with Memorial Hospital for 23 years, and his dedication to his work never waivers. Between his service to the SEI and his organization, he has been integral to improving the culture and atmosphere of Memorial Hospital. Rob exhibits quality leadership daily.
Virginia Greubel, Ringgold County Hospital, Mt. Ayr, IAVirginia has a natural way of understanding customer service - excellence comes easy for her. Her kindness and gentle hands make working with her easy! She is the glue that holds everyone together. No one who meets her considers Virginia a stranger for long!
Joey Rost, Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital, Sioux Falls, SDJoey always has a smile for patients, visitors, and team members (even if he has to tape it to his mask!). He will bend over backwards to try to accommodate patient requests. Joey has never been seen with a frown, and his positive attitude spreads to everyone around him.
Joey Rost from Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital
Empowering Manager
A true leader who encourages individuals to achieve great results
Chris Roberts, Adair County Health System, Greenfield, IAChris is a true leader - he would never ask his team to do something he isn’t willing to do himself. He knows how to pick his battles, and he’s not afraid to go head to head with someone if it means positive growth and change for his employees or patients.
John Schindele, Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, Ely, MNJohn always empowers and supports his employees to make a positive change no matter the circumstances. His humor and storytelling improves morale around the organization. John leads by example, and cultivates trust through consistency.
Erran Miller, Franklin General Hospital, Hampton, IAErran always has a positive attitude and a “can-do” mentality. He has overcome many obstacles to provide the best patient care possible. He works as hard as any of his staff and colleagues and jumps on the opportunity to improve. Erran is a true friend and mentor to all.
Chastin Ramstad, Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital, SDChastin is continually brainstorming to make work flows and processes better. She realizes that goals may not always be comfortable, but are necessary to continue to moving forward. Chastin is innovative and strives to grow and develop all members of her team.
Chris Roberts from Adair County Health System
Accepting Award is Amy O’Rourke
Customer Focused Physician
Professional and respectful, with compassion for those they serve
Dr. Libby Ranniger, MD, Crawford County Memorial Hospital, Denison, IADr. Ranniger gives exceptional service to her patients. She is constantly recognized by patients for her kindness, skill, and empathy on our customer service reports. She not only treats her patients well, she treats all employees like they are the most important person.
Dr. Jerald Bybee, MD, Jackson County Regional Health Center, Maquoketa, IADr. Bybee always has a smile and warm greeting for JCRHC employees, and he treats each and every patient with dignity and respect. In addition to verbal thanks and providing sweet treats, he personally delivers roses to the staff every Valentine’s Day.
Dr. Joe Kimball, DO, Madison County Health Care System, Winterset, IADr. Kimball has been and will always be exceptional with his patients. He will always go to extra lengths to make sure he is providing the best patient care. He is genuine and caring toward both employees and patients - you would be hard pressed to find a more compassionate physician.
Dr. Rothrock, MD, Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital, Sioux Falls, SDDr. Rothrock has a genuine concern and compassion for his patients. Not only is he an excellent surgeon, he is a commendable steward of hospital resources. He improves employee morale by giving his patients compassionate care and living the Values of the organization.
Dr. Jerald Bybee from Jackson County Regional Health Center
Accepting Award is Jean Hayes
Customer Focused Provider
Respectful and professional, with empathy for those they serve
Allie Kjormoe, APRN, Franklin General Hospital, Hampton, IAAllie is extremely caring, patient, and kind-hearted. She always has a positive, upbeat attitude and works to bring up the moral of the other Providers and nurses. Her community involvement and willingness to help make her a positive role model for Franklin General Hospital.
Erin Leonard, ARNP, Ringgold County Hospital, Mt. Ayr, IAErin is always kind and positive - even on a bad day! She’s always on time and thrives on doing all she can for her patients. She has a positive attitude and is very open and honest with her patients. Her bubbly attitude and wealth of knowledge make her an asset to Ringgold County Hospital.
Amanda Lewis, PA-C, Rio Grande Hospital & Clinics, Del Norte, COAmanda has a bright and energetic personality. She is so passionate about her patients that she motivates others to do the same. She values the family welcoming environment that comes from working in a rural area, and many of her patients say that Amanda makes them feel like family.
Mary Lynette Wade, FNP, Union General Hospital, Farmerville, LAMary Lynette is a ferocious advocate for her patients. For the last 19 years, her extraordinary work ethic has led her to walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk at Union General Hospital. She is compassionate and caring, willing to laugh, cry, and celebrate with her patients.
Mary Lynette Wade from Union General Hospital
Accepting Award is Evalyn Ormond
Service Excellence Advisor Team
A team with positive attitude, who combine their frontline enthusiasm and skills for the betterment of all
SEA Team, Allen Parish Community Healthcare, Kinder, LA Lindsey Fontenot, Candi Istre, Noah Stevens, Jessica Lafleur, Bri Baxter, Sheena Whitfield, Angela Gordon, Kasie Cole, Carmen RyderThis team went above & beyond the call of duty to teach the principles of the Service Excellence Initiative. They delivered information in a fun, interactive, and engaging manner and worked tirelessly outside of their normal commitment to ensure an engaging experience for all employees.
ACME, Inc, Grand River Health, Rifle, CO Arlene Olivo, Christi Gray, Monica Gerber, Elyse HutchinsonThis team took teamwork to a new level, giving 110% into every presentation with humor, creativity, excitement, participation, and engagement at every workshop. They quickly identified and capitalized on each other’s strengths and displayed positive energy and team chemistry.
Masked Winners, Osceola Regional Health Center, Sibley, IA Kyle Ingwersen, Jodi Van Westen, Amanda ReeseThis team volunteered to present first, showcasing their enthusiasm and positive attitude about the Service Excellence Initiative. Each member brought their own style of presenting, and were comfortable using personal examples in their fun and interactive workshops.
SEA Team, Perry County Memorial Hospital, Tell City, IN Danielle Kirtley, Shelly Sherry, Charles Shepherd, Susie StallingsThis team worked exceptionally well together. They volunteered to present extra workshops, and had all participants sharing ways to improve patient satisfaction. They have each become wonderful ambassadors for the SEI process and promoting positive change in the organization.
Masked Winners from Osceola Regional Health Center
Accepting Award is Ben Davis
OASIS Team
An innovative group of leaders, working together, to effect improvement
Employee Awards & Recognition, Crawford County Memorial Hospital, Denison, IA Katie Tremel, Andy Segebart, Nate Nielsen, DeAnn Reetz, John McMullen, Brooke Tasler, Aaron RuskellThis team has done an exceptional job of creating a sustainable recognition program. Controllable turnover has been less than 5% since the program was created. They have hardwired their achievements by providing weekly and monthly employee recognition opportunities for all staff and managers.
Promise Keepers, Madison County Health Care System, Winterset, IA Brian Fluharty, Elisa Perry, Kristin Wilkinson, Michelle Sutherland, Cindy Frank, Rebekah Gillespie, Jennifer Jackson
This team was nominated for its outstanding work to identify the culture we want to present to our community. They came up with new care promises and used the acronym PROMISE to show that Madison County Health Care System PROMISEs to live up to these expectations. Each employee now agrees to abide by so we make sure we are living up to our new promises.
Sink or Swim, Osceola Regional Health Center, Sibley, IA Lorrie Reed, Allynn Jacobsma, Nathan Peters, Darla LinquistPrior to this project, new employee orientation was fragmented, unorganized and presented a poor first impression. This team came together to provide an informative, organized and robust experience. This group started from ground zero and built a great program that will be utilized for years to come!
Great Place to Work, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MO This team showed true grit and teamwork. COVID made meeting especially difficult, but this team held strong. They lost very little momentum while others teams completely fell apart, demonstrating to staff and the community how highly Ozarks Healthcare values their employees.
Employee Awards & Recognition from Crawford County Memorial Hospital
Accepting Award is Brandi Mefferd
DO IT Improvement
Defining dissatisfiers, taking action, and creating improvement
Inventory DO IT Team, Madison County Health Care System, Winterset, IA Sara Moetsch, Tom SheppardInventory has always been dreaded by staff - until this team made a customizable inventory spreadsheet that automatically calculates dollar values. This reduces time and paper wasted and saves many hours of effort which can now be invested in patient care.
Behavioral Health Community Support Specialists, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MO Samantha Adler, Siara Alcorn, Debbie Allington, Rebecca Beville, Natosha Bullock, Katy Carroll, Jennifer Chambers, Jessica Champion, Michelle Dillard, Racheal Downs, Summer Freeman, Tedra Graven, Jessica Hedge, Bob Holmes, Jenny Keyes, Mary Lee, Chrystal Marks, Christy Meeks, Jennifer Lundry-Jackson, Maggie Mefford, Amber Osborne, Becky Perez, Christy Reid, Lorenda Roberson, Shandon Simmons, Brandy Smith, Breanna Stiner, Billie Weaver, Erin Wheaton, Rusty Wilson, Tonya Wollersheim, Chelsey VanWinkleIn a pandemic, hearing good news and being recognized can make all the difference. This team understands that whether it’s receiving a card from a coworker or earning a trophy, recognition boosts employee spirits, and employees who feel appreciated give stronger patient and coworker care.
Materials Management, Perry County Memorial Hospital, Tell City, IN Tammy Vogler, Sabrina Kratzer, Melanie MaffiaFor 26 years, PCMH’s laundry process was unnecessarily complicated. Hours each day were spent trying to reduce waste and prevent loss, while some departments still didn’t have the volumes they needed. This team streamlined the process, reduced expenses, and increased coverage.
Critical Drug Book, Union General Hospital, Farmerville, LA Kate Cook, Cally Miller, Connie Ginn, Ginger BarkleyPrior to this DO IT, UGH didn’t have a go-to resource for critical drugs. Multiple books would have to be consulted, wasting valuable time in an emergency. Now there is a single resource, which decreases the chance of a medical error and increases the time spent with the patient.
Inventory DO IT Team from Madison County Health Care System
Accepting Award is Stacey Mitchell
SEA Super Coach
Provides exceptional leadership, encouragement, and guidance
Kandace Fontenot, Allen Parish Community Healthcare, Kinder, LAKandace has a unique way of drawing people in and making content fun and understandable. Her dedication and passion inspires not only her team of SEAs, but the organization as a whole. The time and effort that she puts into the SEAs has drastically improved employee morale and engagement.
Lori Randall, Family Health West, Fruita, CO Lori has been a champion of service excellence and leadership development throughout her 20 year career at Family Health West. She never waits to take action, using her invaluable historical knowledge and day-to-day operational skills to pave the way in service excellence.
Craig Jay, Grand River Health, Rifle, COCraig is an outgoing, fun, customer service oriented individual. During difficult and challenging times, he maintained his sense of humor and his commitment to the patient experience. Craig’s vast and varied skills and abilities have been instrumental to his success as an SEA Super Coach.
Chelsey VanWinkle, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MO Chelsey is the Swiss Army Knife of Service Excellence. She has the ability to leave co-workers feeling refreshed and inspired to take Service Excellence into the community. Chelsey exemplifies compassionate care and does everything with the best attitude and behavior.
Craig Jay from Grand River Health
OASIS Super Coach
Provides remarkable guidance, influence, and encouragement.
Trisha LaRowe, Neighborhood Health, Fort Wayne, INTrisha is, hands down, the best cheerleader that the OASIS Team Captains had in their corner this year. She was not afraid to do the “dirty work” and ask the hard questions to keep people accountable. Trisha was always thinking of new and better ways to implement projects.
Kelly Litherland, Perry County Memorial Hospital, Tell City, IN Kelly is an exceptional OASIS Super Coach. She provides insight, encouragement, support and mentorship to all OASIS teams. Kelly is actively involved in each team’s project and always ensures they have the support they need to succeed.
Todd Woods, Pike County Memorial Hospital, Louisiana, MO Todd is a role model for the entire organization. He is committed to doing what’s best for the community and thinking outside the box to keep the OASIS Teams on track. His positive attitude lights a fire under departments and employees.
Kim Lueders, Providence Medical Center, Wayne, NE Kim is a wonderful leader. She stands out as a role model for employees when it comes to her dedication to excellence. Kim pays attention to detail, has a positive attitude, and walks the walk of Service Excellence. Her passion for PMC and her patients is contagious.
Todd Woods from Pike County Memorial Hospital
Accepting Award is Tylie Mills
Implementation Coordinator
A pillar in the organization; leads, motivates, listens, communicates and coaches
Caryn Hettler, Grand River Health, Rifle, COCaryn consistently demonstrates a go-getter spirit, a “never-say-die” attitude, and truly say exemplifies what a leader should be. She arrives early, leaves late, and always has a smile in her voice. Her positivity, kindness and caring are contagious!
Michelle Hamlin, Neighborhood Health, Fort Wayne, INMichelle has been highly engaged from the very beginning of Service Excellence - 2 years later, her enthusiasm is just as contagious as it was then. She has navigated challenges with positivity and helped Neighborhood Health continue on the path to success.
Kathy Winter, Osceola Regional Health Center, Sibley, IAKathy is known as an “ABCD” employee - because she always goes “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty!” She has worked tirelessly to promote, support and coordinate the Service Excellence Initiative. She is passionate about the culture and gives 100% to the program.
Amy Mobley, Ringgold County Hospital, Mt. Ayr, IAAmy is always willing to jump in to make Ringgold County Hospital a better place. She wears many hats - Implementation Coordinator, Utilization Review Nurse, and CNO - but she ALWAYS keeps Service Excellence a priority. Amy is truly the definition of humble and kind.
Kathy Winter from Osceola Regional Health Center
Amy Mobley from Ringgold County Hospital
Accepting Award is Kaylee Mackey & Ashley Briner
Service Excellence Council
Dedicated, committed to the vision, ensuring exceptional teamwork with forward momentum
Grand River Health, Rifle, CO SEC TeamThis Council continuously looks for ways to improve employee morale and culture. They spearhead changes in their organization by remembering the most important rule: listen to co-workers and leadership. Because of this, Grand River Health came together and grew as a family despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Osceola Regional Health Center, Sibley, IA Kathy Winter, Emily Van Kekerix, Kelli Vande Berg, Sarah Loerts, Danielle Onken, Kristi Neuenschwander, Dawn Meyer, Nga Lam, Donna Bootsma, Donna Kleinwolterink, Ben Davis This Council makes each employee feel a sense of belonging, and that they are a vital part of the organization. They lead by example, working for the betterment of both patients and co-workers and striving to make ORHC the Employer and Hospital of Choice. They are "all in" and spread excellence in everything they do.
Perry County Memorial Hospital, Tell City, IN Bill Bryant, Kayla Gehlhausen, Kelly Litherland, Vicky Hinton, Sandy Calvert, Aubrey Welp, Emily Payne, Jennifer Kleeman, Whitney Kellems, Courtney Braun, Brian Herwig Every member of this Council is proud to be the driving force of the Service Excellence Initiative. Each member encourages transparency and trust in the SEI process, and the result is that employees feel empowered, which increases patient satisfaction. Staff now feel confident that whatever the problem, this Council will find a solution.
Perry County Memorial Hospital from Tell City, IN
Accepting Award is Brett LeClere, Don Sprinkle, Kelly Litherland & Kayla Gehlhausen
Motivating Administrator
An individual using creativity and understanding to motivate improvement
Amy O’Rourke, Adair County Health System, Greenfield, IA Amy O'Rourke is highly engaged in Service Excellence. Patient Satisfaction and staff ownership in the Initiative are some of her highest priorities. She is a driving force on the Service Excellence Council, and she is constantly available for questions, advice, or just a sounding board.
Jason Davis, Family Health West, Fruita, COJason has worked at Family Health West for 19 years. During his career at Family Health West, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the residents and their families are well cared for. He is an advocate for his staff, and he always walks his talk - that is why his leadership is invaluable.
Lacey Carter, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MOLacey is the epitome of excellence and strives to ensure every patient receives the highest quality of care. She is a servant at heart and a positive, compassionate role model. She not only serves on the Service Excellence Council, but brings Ozarks Healthcare’s mission, vision, and values to life.
Dr. Heidi Helgeson, Rio Grande Hospital & Clinics, Del Norte, COHeidi believes “we cannot go back and we can only move forward.” She consistently reminds people that change is not only okay, it's an advantage to both personal and organizational growth. She is always calm, forever open to new ideas, and encourages others to express themselves.
Dr. Heidi Helgeson from Rio Grande Hospital & Clinics
Accepting Award is Kylie Wilkinson
Inspiring CEO/President
A leader who inspires with energy and commitment to improve.
Erin Muck, Crawford County Memorial Hospital, Denison, IA Erin has been a guiding light for Crawford County Memorial Hospital’s 5-Star Journey. She leads by example and has done an excellent job in involving everyone in the cultural transformation. Her accessibility wins her high praise from the community, patients, and families alike.
Ben Davis, Osceola Regional Health Center, Sibley, IABen brings creativity, discipline, friendliness, kindness, and a high level of expectation to ORHC. Under his leadership, staff morale has improved, the quality of service to patients and residents has progressed, and the reputation of ORHC has been enhanced.
Tylie Mills, Pike County Memorial Hospital, Louisiana, MOIf you want to meet someone bold, passionate, accountable and connected - look no further than Tylie. She is always ready to take responsibility and find the best solution for patients and staff. Her positivity and dedication to Service Excellence show that she leads by example everyday at PCMH.
James Frank, Providence Medical Center, Wayne, NEIt doesn’t matter where you’re from, how old you are, or what your position is; Jim will always go the extra mile to make sure that you’re comfortable, okay and happy. His love for his colleagues doesn’t go unnoticed. He does everything from his heart - never seeking praise or recognition.
Erin Muck from Crawford County Memorial Hospital
Accepting Award is Dr. Libby Ranniger
Medical Clinic of Choice
A medical clinic that embodies Service Excellence in the capacity of compassion and education
Neighborhood Health, Fort Wayne, INNo organization could anticipate the challenges of 2020, but despite the challenges, Neighborhood Health not only sustained their workforce, but has grown rapidly. Their culture of collaboration gives patients confidence that they will receive quality care, no matter what services they need.
Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center, West Plains, MOOzarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center has implemented several new programs, improved customer satisfaction scores, and reduced coworker turnover in the past year. Employee engagement and retention have also improved - turnover decreased from 24% to less than 6%.
Rio Grande Hospital Clinic, Del Norte, COThe Del Norte Clinic does such an amazing job with the community, they have patients driving over fifty miles from other towns to see their providers. The front desk staff knows almost every patient by name, so patients feel like family when they walk through the front door.
Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center, in West Plains, MO
Accepting Award is Richard McGee and team
Hospital Provider of Choice
A market leader for employee retention and patient satisfaction
Jackson County Regional Health Center, Maquoketa, IAHistorically, Jackson County Regional Health Center has struggled with moving the needle to reflect efforts toward patient/customer satisfaction. With the plans to build a new hospital, it was also time to build a new culture. They chose to invest in their most import resource - their staff.
Memorial Hospital, Carthage, ILWhen Memorial Hospital began their SEI journey, they were a 3 star facility - just 2 years later, in 2020, CMS deemed them a 5 star facility! Patient satisfaction and FOCUS values have become everyday language. The community and staff take care of each other, even when times are tough.
Wilson Medical Center, Neodesha, KSWilson Medical Center continues to achieve patient and employee satisfaction by listening, assessing, and providing what their communities need and want. They now offer several state-of-the-art healthcare services locally, and their CHARM initiative is being piloted in 3 school districts.
Memorial Hospital in Carthage, IL
Accepting Award is Ada Bair and team
The 2021 Founder's Award
An individual or organization who best demonstrates and lives the meaning of Service Excellence
The Founder's Award recipient is Evalyn Ormond, CEO, Union General Hospital from Farmerville, LA
This year’s recipient has been the driving force behind her hospital’s successful transformation to a culture of healing kindness
Evalyn has led Union General Hospital for the past 28 years and has been a dedicated CEO/Administrator for 40 years
This is not just a job for Evalyn, it is a calling. Evalyn has dedicated her life to Rural Healthcare
She worked tirelessly to maintain a physician presence in rural Louisiana
She was the first hospital administrator in her region to hire a Nurse Practitioner
Despite her Enormous Work Load as CEO Evalyn is a tireless community advocate:
She is a board member of the local Council on Aging
She has served as Board President of the Louisiana Hospital Association NE District
She is the driving force behind hospital fundraising for the local United Way and has raised over $20,000.00 in the last two years
Evalyn organized a program to offer free mammograms through the hospital to uninsured women, resulting in several women who found they had breast cancer but would not have known otherwise
Our founders award recipient championed a monthly teen program called “It’s a Girl Thing” in response to very high rates of teen pregnancy, STD’s and dropout rates, that has decreased teen pregnancy rate by 16% in 5 years