Ken Platou, MMH CEO, Recognized as Grassroots Champion

 

Award will be given at special Breakfast of Grassroots Champions at the AHA annual membership meeting

 

MONTROSE, GREENWOOD VILLAGE – The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with the Colorado Hospital Association, will honor Ken Platou, chief executive officer of Montrose Memorial Hospital, with the Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award. As a 2008 Grassroots Champion, Mr. Platou is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of Montrose Memorial Hospital’s mission.

 

The Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award was created to recognize those hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital, and who 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, AHA president and CEO. “This special recognition acknowledges the compassion and hard work you have demonstrated as an advocate for better health and better health care in America.”

 

Mr. Platou’s tireless work on issues such as preventing restrictions on the ability of emergency medical services personnel to transport critically ill patients has ensured patients of continued access to important health care services. As the immediate past chairman of the CHA Board of Trustees, he also has been a driving force on issues of concern to Colorado’s hospitals.

 

“CHA is extremely proud to see Ken recognized with this prestigious award,” said Steven Summer, president and CEO of the Colorado Hospital Association. “Ken’s contributions to the Montrose community and to Colorado’s hospital field are truly impressive.”

 

The award is presented annually to one individual from each state. Winners are chosen by the state association and are recognized at a special Breakfast of Grassroots Champions at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting. Mr. Platou is one of 51 individuals who will be honored April 8.

 

 

About the AHA

 

The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care 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, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 37,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA Web site at www.aha.org.

 

 

About the Colorado Hospital Association

 

CHA represents Colorado hospitals, private and public, that provide care and service to diverse communities throughout the state. CHA provides leadership and advocacy for its members, fosters communication, collaboration and consensus, and provides technical assistance and information about emerging tools and trends to improve patient safety, hospital efficiency and effectiveness. For more information, visit www.cha.com.