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Transylvania CEO Receives American Hospital Association Award
BREVARD, N.C., April 14, 2008—The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with the North Carolina Hospital Association (NCHA), has awarded Bob Bednarek, president and CEO of Transylvania Community Hospital, with its annual Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award.
As a 2008 Grassroots Champion, Bednarek was recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of a hospital’s mission. The award was presented at a special breakfast held during the AHA annual meeting in Washington, D.C., on April 8.
In its third year, the Grassroots Champion Award was created to recognize hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the vital role hospitals play in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital, and are tireless advocates for hospitals and their patients.
“Your leadership and dedication to advancing the mission of America’s hospitals has made a difference for the patients and communities we serve,” said Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association. “This special recognition acknowledges the compassion and hard work you have demonstrated as an advocate for better health and better healthcare in America.”
“Bob Bednarek is truly a grassroots champion,” said NCHA President Bill Pully. “Bob is a passionate and effective advocate for the patients and employees of Transylvania Community Hospital. His respected leadership—at his own hospital and within the NCHA—benefits every hospital in the state.”
Bednarek has served on the NCHA Board of Trustees, the organization’s HOSPAC board and as chairman of NCHA Strategic Partners—a subsidiary organization that provides more than 700 healthcare providers in the state with free access to value-added purchasing solutions for equipment and services to lower the cost of healthcare.
“Bob understands the importance of building and nurturing good relations between the hospital, its community and its elected officials,” Pully continued. “Legislators respect and seek out his opinion on hospital issues, and Bob is one of our state’s most effective advocates in explaining the needs and challenges of small, rural hospitals. He is also an excellent motivator and is quick to encourage his peers to take an active role in strengthening support for North Carolina hospitals. Bob’s tireless efforts and enthusiastic support have strengthened hospital advocacy throughout the state.”
The Grassroots Champion award is presented annually to one individual from each state. Winners are chosen by members of their state association.
About the AHA
The AHA is a not-for-profit association of healthcare provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes 5,000 hospitals, healthcare systems, networks, other providers of care and 37,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for healthcare leaders and is a source of information on healthcare issues and trends.
About NCHA
NCHA is a statewide association representing 135 hospitals and health networks across North Carolina. The association promotes improved community health status and delivery of quality healthcare through leadership, information, education and advocacy.
About Transylvania Community Hospital
Celebrating its 75th year, Transylvania Community Hospital is a nationally ranked 5-Star Hospital and a leading provider of quality healthcare services in Transylvania and surrounding counties. Based in Brevard, N.C., it is a not-for-profit community hospital founded in 1933 and is the largest employer in Transylvania County.