Holland receives RWHC Rural Health Ambassador Award

The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) recently bestowed their 2006 Rural Health Ambassador Award to Claire Holland, Director of Home Care and Hospice at Upland hills Health.

The award recognizes health care employees at RWHC hospitals who have gone above the call of duty in promoting their respective organizations, while making significant contributions to rural health. Fourteen individuals from across the state received awards this year. Each recipient demonstrates a history of fostering positive communication and relations within the hospital's respective service area by: serving on community boards/service organizations; taking advantage of volunteer or public speaking opportunities; and supporting community health activities beyond the scope of the hospital.

Holland is recognized as an accomplished leader within the hospital management team, as well as compassionate and wise individual by the many families she has served. She is co-founder of the Advocates for Palliative and Compassionate Care in Southwestern Wisconsin and has been instrumental in raising professional and community awareness of this approach to care giving. Holland participated in the development of an award winning video that discusses end of life issues, targeting a high school audience, “Facing Death, The Choices We Have.” She has been active in educating the public through newsletters, speaking engagements, and committee participation. Regarding Holland’s scheduled retirement at the end of April 2006, Administrator Phyllis Fritsch reflected, “Claire’s many contributions are a testament to the impact one individual can have on an organization and a community.”

Incorporated in 1979, the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative receives national recognition as one of the country's earliest and most successful models for networking among rural hospitals. RWHC serves as a catalyst for regional collaboration and as an aggres­sive, creative force on behalf of rural communi­ties and rural health. Owned and operated by 30 acute, medical-surgical hospitals, RWHC offers its members a wide range of shared services that meet local community health needs, including: staffing, consulting, management, networking and education. Upland Hills Health is an active member of RWHC; their employees support the shared mission of “strengthening and sustaining rural health”.