|
|
 |
| |
|
Connection Newsletter
By AzHHA Communications ● Oct. 30, 2025
Smart Brevity® count: 5 mins...1379 words
Read about:
- An update on this week’s 2025 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference.
- The 2026 AzHHA Board of Directors announcement.
- Award winners that have been recognized during the conference.
|
| |
Bringing together Arizona’s healthcare leaders
This week, more than 200 healthcare leaders from across the state join AzHHA in Tucson for the 2025 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference.
Why it matters: This year’s theme is “Advocacy in action: shaping the future, leading forward” and explores important topics such as:
- Building stronger teams through personal growth.
- Leading and cultivating tomorrow’s workforce.
- Living with intentionality.
- Advocacy behind the scenes.
- Designing a more efficient and higher quality patient-centered healthcare delivery model.
Go deeper: View the agenda and more information about the conference.
|
| |
AzHHA announces new slate for the 2026 Board of Directors
What’s new: The AzHHA Board of Directors announced today that it approved two new healthcare executives, Jennifer Nunez, CEO of Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital and Wesley Babers, CEO of White Mountain Regional Medical Center, to serve on its board and confirmed its roster for 2026.
Why it matters: AzHHA’s Board of Directors includes hospital and healthcare leaders representing various hospitals throughout Arizona – from large health systems to rural hospitals. The fundamental responsibilities of the board officers and Board of Directors are to set policy and broad strategic direction toward the fulfillment of AzHHA’s mission.
Go deeper: View the full Board of Directors roster for 2026.
|
| |
The 2025 Salsbury Award winner is…
Congratulations to Roland Knox, retired CEO of Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, for being recognized as this year’s recipient of the Salsbury Award.
Why it matters: Named in honor of the late Dr. Clarence G. Salsbury, a respected missionary physician who advocated for access to healthcare, especially the underserved, the Salsbury Award is the highest honor AzHHA can bestow on an individual who demonstrates outstanding service and unselfish purpose while advancing healthcare and increasing its access in Arizona.
“For more than two decades, Roland has exemplified servant leadership, an unwavering commitment to people and a relentless drive to ensure rural communities have access to high-quality care. His leadership has strengthened communities like Safford and Willcox, and his influence has reached every corner of Arizona."
-Ann-Marie Alameddin, president and CEO of AzHHA
Congratulations, Roland!
|
| |
Grassroots Champion Award is presented to…
Jennifer Mendrzycki, president and CEO of TMC Health, was presented with the 2025 Grassroots Champion Award.
Why it matters: The award honors a hospital leader from an American Hospital Association (AHA) member organization in each state who excels at building strong relationships with lawmakers and their staff and works tirelessly to advocate for the well-being of patients, hospitals and the communities they serve.
“Jennifer’s example reminds us that advocacy is everyone’s job, including hospital and health system leaders translating what’s at stake for their patients and communities. Leaders like Jennifer exemplify the power and passion of our members, bringing their work for their communities into the spotlight.”
-Mary Naylor, regional executive, Region 8, American Hospital Association
Congratulations, Jennifer!
|
| |
The Legislator of the Year Award goes to…
Representative Julie Willoughby (R-Dist. 13) was presented the 2025 Legislator of the Year Award.
👉This award honors the steadfast commitment of a public servant who has gone above and beyond in championing the needs of Arizona’s hospitals.
“Representative Willoughby is not just a policymaker; she is a problem solver and a collaborator who understands that effective healthcare policy starts with listening. Her commitment to working together and her ability to bridge divides have made a significant difference for Arizona hospitals and the patients we serve.”
-Damien Johnson, director of government relations, AzHHA
Congratulations, Representative Willoughby!
|
| |
Vicki Buchda receives Lifetime Achievement Award
At yesterday’s Quality Awards Luncheon, Vicki Buchda, M.S., R.N., NEA-BC, senior advisor of care improvement, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- This award honors individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on Arizona’s healthcare system.
Vicki has spent more than 40 years in nursing and healthcare leadership.
- She joined AzHHA in 2017 and has been a leader in state collaboratives focused on quality and patient safety, health equity, maternal health, workforce development, advance care planning and serious illness care.
Thank you, Vicki, for being a tireless advocate for improving patient outcomes and serving as a trusted voice in shaping care improvement strategies.
|
| |
AzHHA Quality Awards - Top Overall Excellence winner
🎉This year’s Top Overall Excellence Award was presented to the Havasu Regional Medical Center for its submission titled “Improving Nurse Retention Through Residency Program.”
- The submission detailed the enhanced nurse residency program designed to improve graduate nurse retention and reduce turnover. Since launching the revised program in early 2024, graduate nurse retention increased by 21%, rising from 68.4% to 89.4% by year-end.
Why it matters: This award recognizes the highest achievement among the top scorers from each category.
- The top scorers were blinded and scored by volunteer leaders from other state hospital associations.
Congratulations!
|
| |
AzHHA Quality Awards - Outstanding Patient/Community Impact winners
The winners of the Outstanding Patient/Community Impact Award, listed by classification, are:
- 25 beds or less (tie):
-
San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation for its submission titled “Womens’ Health-Mammogram Screening.”
-
Sage Memorial Hospital for its submission titled “Chizh for Elders.”
- 26-100 beds: Valley View Medical Center for its submission titled “Back to Basics: A Drive to Improve Hand Hygiene Compliance to Reduce Infections.”
- 101-300 beds: Havasu Regional Medical Center for its submission titled “PIVO Utilization to Reduce Blood Culture Contamination in a Community Hospital Emergency Department.”
- More than 300 beds: Tucson Medical Center for its submission titled “Tucson Collaborative Community Care.”
- Specialty hospital: Cornerstone Specialty Hospital Tucson – now called Vista Specialty Hospital of Tucson for its submission titled “Our High Reliability Journey: Liberating our Patients.”
Why it matters: This award recognizes healthcare facilities that have made a direct and measurable difference in patient outcomes. This includes initiatives that reduce hospital-acquired infection rates, lower fall rates, improve maternal and mental health, enhance patient safety and quality of care, and promote equitable and respectful treatment.
Congratulations!
|
| |
AzHHA Quality Awards - Clinical Excellence winners
The winners of the Clinical Excellence Award, listed by classification, are:
- 25 beds or less: Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for its submission titled “Improving Med/Surg Outcomes: RN Retention and Safety Through Mindful Practice.”
- 26-100 beds: Valley View Medical Center for its submission titled “Building the Future Healthcare Workforce in the Community.”
- 101-300 beds: Havasu Regional Medical Center for its submission titled “Improving Nurse Retention Through Residency Program.”
- More than 300 beds: Onvida Health for its submission titled “Transition to Practice Program.”
Why it matters: This award celebrates healthcare facilities and teams that have achieved outstanding results in clinical workflows, workforce and process improvement. This recognition highlights initiatives that positively influence care delivery, staff engagement and clinical relationships.
Congratulations!
|
| |
Thursday, Nov. 6 - Veterans Wall Ceremony
Canyon Vista Medical Center and the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona will host a Veterans Wall Ceremony and Reception at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6 at Canyon Vista Medical Center. The Veterans Wall honors those who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces and significantly contributed to their communities. RSVP to Natoyah Swift at 520-263-3299 or [email protected] by Nov. 1, 2025.
Friday, Nov. 28 - Healthcare Leadership Academy application deadline
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 cohort of the Healthcare Leadership Academy. The AzHHA Foundation partners with Creighton University’s College of Professional and Continuing Education to provided healthcare leadership and management education to rising leaders within AzHHA member hospitals. To apply, submit your resume, letter of support and statement of purpose in one PDF to [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
