Awards

Each year, KHA honors individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to advancing health care in Kentucky.

KHA Distinguished Service Award

KHA’s highest honor, this award is presented to an individual who has given untiring and exceptional service to their hospital, community, the state, and KHA.

  • Nina Eisner, The Ridge Behavioral Health System
  • Charles Lovell, Barbourville ARH Hospital
  • Larry Gray, Baptist Health Louisville
  • Carl Herde, Kentucky Hospital Association
  • Brian Brezosky, Kentucky Hospital Association
  • Sheila Currans, Harrison Memorial Hospital
  • Wayne Meriwether, Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Regional Hospital

KHA Award of Excellence

KHA’s Award of Excellence is a prestigious award given to individuals who have made significant contributions to health care in Kentucky.

  • Danny Bentley, PharmD, State Representative
  • Hollie Harris Phillips, Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH)
  • Donovan Blackburn, Pikeville Medical Center
  • Dave Anderson, Jackson Purchase Medical Center
  • Jerry Penner, Murray-Calloway County Hospital
  • Steven Stack, MD, Kentucky Department for Public Health
  • Deborah Campbell, RN-BC, MSN, CPHQ, Kentucky Hospital Association

KHA Governance Leadership Award

The purpose of this award is to acknowledge individuals who have had a positive and sustainable impact on the quality of care in their communities.

  • Gavin Roberts, Chair, Owensboro Health Board of Directors
  • Thomas “Tommy” K. Elliott, Baptist Health
  • Martha Jones, CHI Saint Joseph Health
  • Aaron Thompson, PhD, Baptist Health

KHA Legislative Awards

KHA regularly recognizes state legislators who have exhibited exemplary service to the hospitals of Kentucky and the patients they serve.

  • KHA Legislative Champion Award: Representative Josh Bray 
  • KHA Legislative Hero Award: Representative Wade Williams

KHA Quality Awards

This award honors hospital leadership and innovation in quality, safety, and commitment to patient care.

2024

  • Mary Breckinridge ARH Hospital


2023

  • Bluegrass Community Hospital
  • Deaconess Union County Hospital


2022

  • Fleming County Hospital

2024

  • Rockcastle Regional Hospital


2023

  • Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center
  • Saint Claire Regional Medical Center


2022

  • Rockcastle Regional Hospital


2021

  • Rockcastle Regional Hospital

2024

  • Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center


2022

  • Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center

2021

  • Frankfort Regional Medical Center

2024

  • Baptist Health Paducah

2023

  • Saint Joseph Hospital
  • Owensboro Health Regional Hospital

2022

  • Baptist Health Louisville
  • Saint Joseph Hospital
  • Elizabeth Edgewood

2021

  • Baptist Health Corbin

2024

  • Heather Hope, Quality Improvement Specialist at Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital
  • Lisa Lockhart, Nursing Quality Manager/Patient Safety Officer, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center
  • Dr. David Worthy, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Baptist Health Corbin

2024

  • Continuing Care Hospital

2023

  • Continuing Care Hospital

2022

  • Continuing Care Hospital

2021

  • Continuing Care Hospital

2024

FIRST PLACE:
Hospital:  Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
Title: “The Eyes on the Lines Project for Reduction in Device Utilization & Healthcare Associated Infections”

SECOND PLACE:
Hospital: Med Center Health, Bowling Green
Title: “Shining a Spotlight on CAUTI Prevention”

THIRD PLACE:
Hospital: CHI St. Joseph Health
Title: “A Multidisciplinary Approach to Improving Responsiveness Across an Acute Care Facility”

HONORABLE MENTION:
Hospital: Baptist Health Richmond
Title: “Aim for the Target: Optimizing Anti-Pseudomonal Antibiotic Utilization at a Community Hospital”

2024

  • UofL Health – Peace Hospital

2023

  • The Brook Hospital- KMI

2022

  • UofL Health – Peace Hospital

2021

  • UofL Health – Peace Hospital
2023
  • St Elizabeth Healthcare

KHA Grassroots Advocacy Award

  • Claire HealthCare
  • Claire HealthCare
  • Claire HealthCare

Angela Portman