Larry Schulz recipient of Stephen Rogness Distinguished Service Award
(FERGUS FALLS, Minn.) – The Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) honored innovative programs and outstanding leaders in health care at its 31st 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.
Among the award recipients was Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) CEO, Larry Schulz, who was honored with the Stephen Rogness Distinguished Service Award for his longstanding service to the Minnesota Hospital Association and his leadership role at LRH.
Larry Schulz’s 38 year career in healthcare administration has included CEO assignments in Arlington, Faribault, Little Falls, and currently Fergus Falls. He is known for his relationship and organizational skills to get key stakeholders to recognize their collective potential and work together toward accomplishment of a shared vision.
His leadership at Lake Region Healthcare has resulted in tremendous growth. During his six year tenure, the medical staff has grown from 46 to 82 providers, net revenue has increased almost 150%, and the organization has been recognized nationally for patient safety and quality.
Schulz has served on numerous MHA committees and as MHA Board Chair. He also served as Chair of the AHA Section for Small or Rural Hospitals, and the Board of the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI).
His lifelong passion has been creating a rural health model that works and a truly healthy community.
The full list of 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
About Lake Region Healthcare
Lake Region Healthcare is living out its vision to be Minnesota's preeminent regional healthcare partner. With over 80 medical staff and over 900 employees, its team is dedicated to serving its patients and community with integrity, teamwork, compassion and excellence. For more information about Lake Region Healthcare, visit www.lrhc.org.
About the Minnesota Hospital Association
The Minnesota Hospital Association represents 143 hospitals and health systems, which provide quality care for their patients and meet the needs of their communities. Please visit our website for descriptions of the 2015 award winners: www.mnhospitals.org/about/mha-awards
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