ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) on June 1 honored innovative programs and outstanding leaders in health care at its 34th annual awards ceremony.   

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, Minnesota’s hospitals and health systems are working to strengthen the health of our communities,” said MHA President and CEO Lawrence Massa. “Our exceptional care teams set the bar high for patient care and for meeting the needs of their communities. Thanks to their expertise, diligence and commitment to excellence, Minnesota’s hospitals continue to be among the best in the nation.”   

The awards and recipients are:   

American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion: Randy Ulseth, CEO, FirstLight Health System, Mora   

Best Minnesota Hospital Workplace: Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, Minneapolis; RiverView Health, Crookston   

Bruce and Denise Rueben Courage: Dr. Kurt DeVine, CHI St. Gabriel’s Health, Little Falls   

Caregivers of the Year: Obstetrics team, Lakewood Health System, Staples   

Community Benefit: North Memorial Health, Robbinsdale; Lakewood Health System, Staples   

Good Catch for Patient Safety: Melody Stoerzinger, RN, Lakeview Hospital, Stillwater   

Innovation of the Year in Patient Care: University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, Minneapolis; Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center   

Quality and Patient Safety Improvement: Winona Health; RiverView Health, Crookston   

Spirit of Advocacy: Dr. Steven Mulder, president and CEO, Hutchinson Health   

Stephen Rogness Distinguished Service Award: Tim Rice, president and CEO, Lakewood Health System, Staples   

Trustee of the Year: Dr. Samuel Carlson, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis   

Volunteer of the Year Award: Mary Grace St. Claire, Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, Minneapolis   

Associate Member of the Year: RSM US LLP, Minneapolis     

Please visit our website for award winner descriptions: www.mnhospitals.org/about/mha-awards     

The Minnesota Hospital Association represents 142 hospitals and health systems, which provide quality care for their patients and meet the needs of their communities.   

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