Innovative programs, outstanding leaders in health care honored at MHA's annual awards ceremony

The Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) honored innovative programs and outstanding leaders in health care at its 31^st annual awards ceremony on Friday, April 24.

Seventeen awards were given for extraordinary achievement in categories ranging from advocacy on behalf of hospitals and volunteerism to innovation and improvement in patient care and patient safety.

"Each day, all across the state, hospitals are working to strengthen the health of our communities," said MHA President and CEO Lawrence Massa. "The women and men of these innovative, high-performing hospitals have set the bar high for patient care and for meeting the needs of their communities. Thanks to their innovation, diligence and commitment, Minnesota hospitals continue to be among the best in the nation."

The awards and recipients are:

Best Minnesota Hospital Workplace: Owatonna Hospital, part of Allina Health

Bruce and Denise Rueben Courage Award: George Gerlach, CEO and administrator, Granite Falls Municipal Hospital and Manor

Caregiver of the Year: Ed Wurtzberger, RN, New Ulm Medical Center, part of Allina Health

Community Benefit: Winona Health; Lakewood Health System, Staples

Good Catch for Patient Safety: Sara Lorenz, RN, BSN, Mayo Clinic Rochester Hospital, St. Marys Campus

Health Care Workforce Champion (individual): Laura Beeth, system director, talent management, Fairview Health Services, Minneapolis

Health Care Workforce Champion (hospital): Fairview Health Services, Minneapolis

Innovation of the Year in Patient Care: PrairieCare, Maple Grove; Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, St. Louis Park

Patient Safety Improvement: University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis; Catholic Health Initiatives – St. Joseph's Health, Park Rapids

Public Achievement: Sen. Tony Lourey (DFL-Kerrick)

Spirit of Advocacy: Mary Maertens, regional president, Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center

Stephen Rogness Distinguished Service Award: Larry Schulz, CEO, Lake Region Healthcare, Fergus Falls

Trustee of the Year: Mary Theurer, Lakewood Health System, Staples

Volunteers of the Year Award: Carole and Jim Lang, Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague