Officials with the Cass County Health System have announced Dr. Elaine Berry has received the Iowa Hospital Association’s 2016 Hospital Hero award. The award was presented on October 19^th during the IHA annual meeting in Des Moines. On hand to present the award was Pat Markham, CCHS CEO and former professional boxer/motivational speaker Sugar Ray Leonard, who was a keynote speaker at the event.

According to the IHA website, the IHA Hospital Hero Award “recognizes hospital employees who have performed heroic acts or have consistently and tirelessly given of their time, talent and expertise to improve their organizations, patients and communities.  These everyday heroes are the role models for other hospital employees and the communities they serve.”

Only 10 people from across the state are chosen as hospital heroes each year.  Dr. Berry’s nomination was submitted by hospital staff with letters of support noting her dedication to the community and her patients, particularly with hospice care and emergency medical services throughout Cass County.

From left to right: CCHS CEO Pat Markham, Dr. Berry, and Sugar Ray Leonard.