Samaritan CEO wins national award

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare chief executive officer Theresa Sullivan was one of 50 hospital executives nationwide to be recognized by an award from the American Hospital Association. Sullivan received the “Grassroots Champion Award” for her work in highlighting the hospital’s role and its impact.

The award goes to one hospital executive in each state.

Sullivan received the award for her “efforts in educating elected officials on the importance of the hospital’s role in the community,” according to a press release from Samaritan. Other criteria include “doing an exemplary job broadening the base of community support for the hospital,” and acting as an “advocate for hospitals and their patients.”

Sullivan has been the hospital’s CEO since 2015. “The credit for this award is shared among everyone who contributes to Samaritan Healthcare. We all believe rural communities should have equal access to healthcare with exceptional patient experience. It’s vitally important to grow the medical services available,” Sullivan wrote.

Hospital officials have been working to increase services at the hospital and at Samaritan Clinic, including a successful effort to upgrade to Level 3 trauma care, remodeling the emergency room and an ongoing remodeling project at the clinic. Hospital officials are working on a study of the possibility of an entirely new hospital facility.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.