HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA), a leading healthcare provider in the nation, presented its annual HCA Healthcare Awards of Distinction during a ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee. These awards, including the Frist Humanitarian Award, the HCA Healthcare Innovators Award, and the HCA Healthcare Excellence in Nursing Award, are the highest honors bestowed by the organization, recognizing individuals who exemplify its culture and values.
The Frist Humanitarian Award honors those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to serving others; the Innovators Award celebrates creative ideas that enhance care quality; and the Excellence in Nursing Award recognizes top performance in nursing.
“It is our distinct honor to recognize the remarkable individuals who enhance our organization through their commitment to excellence for our patients,” said Sam Hazen, CEO of HCA Healthcare. “The selfless service shown by today’s recipients reflects our mission to care for and improve human life.”
Frist Humanitarian Award Recipients
Established in 1971 and named after Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr., the Frist Humanitarian Award honors those who go above and beyond ordinary acts of kindness. Employee and volunteer recipients receive a $10,000 cash prize and a matching donation to a charity of their choice, while the physician recipient receives a $20,000 donation.
2024 Frist Humanitarian Award recipients include:
- Samantha McClelland, BS, RRT, CES-A: ECMO program coordinator at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, New Hampshire. McClelland advocates for community health and education, successfully petitioning for an official Apraxia Awareness Day in New Hampshire.
- Jonathan Jacobs, MD: Internist at Menorah Medical Center, Kansas. Dr. Jacobs dedicates significant time to serving the unhoused population, providing medical and mental health care through Care Beyond the Boulevard.
- Paulette Bennett: Volunteer at Ogden Regional Medical Center, Utah. Bennett has contributed thousands of hours to developing a pet therapy program, helping to comfort patients alongside her therapy dog, Miss Sophie.
HCA Healthcare Innovators Award Recipient
The HCA Healthcare Innovators Award, established in 2010, recognizes innovative thinkers within the organization. This year’s recipient is Jedediah Vivio, a senior product analyst in HCA Healthcare’s IT Group. Vivio played a key role in launching the Expanse electronic health record platform, aimed at enhancing efficiency and coordination of patient care.
HCA Healthcare Excellence in Nursing Award Recipients
The Excellence in Nursing Award, created in 2014, honors the vital role of nursing in delivering quality care. Recipients receive a $10,000 cash prize and a matching donation to their chosen charity.
This year’s awardees include:
- Roni S. Hutson, BSN, RN, CCRN-CSC: A cardiovascular nurse at Methodist Hospital in Texas, Hutson has mentored countless colleagues and played a pivotal role in standardizing cardiac care practices.
- Heather Hurlburt, RN: A pediatric emergency room nurse at Sunrise Hospital, Nevada, Hurlburt has cared for young patients through trauma and is a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, combining compassion with critical evidence collection.
“Every day, our nurses are on the front lines of patient care,” said Sammie Mosier, senior vice president and chief nurse executive of HCA Healthcare. “The dedication of this year’s recipients exemplifies what it means to care like family and elevate patient care.”
About HCA Healthcare
Based in Nashville, HCA Healthcare operates 188 hospitals and approximately 2,400 outpatient facilities, including surgery centers and urgent care centers across 20 states and the UK. Founded in 1968, HCA Healthcare has revolutionized hospital care in the U.S., emphasizing patient-focused care and improving medical practices through innovative models. HCA Healthcare’s extensive patient encounters contribute to advancing science and enhancing patient care.
