(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center’s CEO and Chief Missions Officer Patrick J. Branco has been awarded the 2012 Grassroots Champion award by the American Hospital Association as nominated by the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association (ASHNHA).

This award recognizes the achievements of grassroots leaders who have worked over the previous year to effectively deliver their hospital’s mission to elected officials, broaden the base of community support for hospitals, and tirelessly advocate on behalf of patients, hospitals, and communities. Just one hospital leader from each state is recognized each year for their dedication to the hospital mission on both a local and national level.

Pictured (LtoR): Karen Perdue (ASHNHA CEO), Vicki Branco, Patrick Branco, and Rich Umbdenstock (President AHA)
Photo courtesy PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center

“We depend upon strong local voices to help tell the story of hospitals as cornerstones of the communities they serve,” said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO. “This award is a small token of our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of these individuals to improving health and health care in America.”

Branco accepted the award at a special “Breakfast of Grassroots Champions” on May 8, 2012 in Washington D.C.

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award recognizing my efforts for the people of Southeast Alaska and beyond,” said Branco. “It has always been my goal as Chief Missions Officer to make sure we provide each person with exceptional quality care, as well as the information, education, and support our community and staff members need.”

Branco has served as CEO and Chief Missions Officer of PeaceHealth Ketchikan since 2002. Over the last decade, he has helped strengthen the delivery of health care in Ketchikan while preparing PeaceHealth Ketchikan for the ever-changing face of health care in the future. His service includes acting as ASHNHA’s Board Chair in 2011; fostering an environment that travelling nurses rank as the top traveler-friendly facility for two years in a row; and providing ongoing support for the Ketchikan High School Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter which prepares students for careers in the medical field.

Branco has also led PeaceHealth Ketchikan to “HealthStrong” status, as identified by iVantage, who ranks PeaceHealth Ketchikan in the top one percent of all Critical Access Hospitals in the nation.

Prior to assuming his leadership role with PeaceHealth Ketchikan, Branco was CEO of Divine Providence Health Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He holds a BS degree in Health Services and Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Baylor University.

Source of News: 

PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center

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