Laboratory manager at ACHS wins WOW Award

Adair County Health System (ACHS) is proud to announce the recipient of the 2024 WOW! Award, along with this year’s outstanding nominees, during a recent celebration!

Courtnee Ford, ACHS Laboratory Manager, was honored with the notable WOW! Award, which celebrates employees who have made exceptional contributions to our organization and the patients we serve.

The WOW! Award highlights individuals who went above and beyond in performance, service, and teamwork over the past year, exemplifying the highest standards of excellence.

“I am honored to recognize Courtnee as this year’s WOW! Award recipient. Her resilience and positivity in the face of adversity have been truly inspiring. When a tornado devastated her lab, she didn’t let it deter her. Instead, she remained calm, patient, and steadfast, ensuring that patients continued to receive the care they needed without interruption,” said ACHS CEO Catherine Hillestad. “Courtnee’s unwavering dedication and optimism are a testament to her character and the incredible impact she has on our organization and community.”

A few points in the nomination ACHS received for Ford was also shared.

“Courtnee is kind and courteous to all patients and employees. If a question comes up, she will find the answer and is very good about finding the best processes for staff and patients here. Since the tornado, Courtnee has had to think outside the box to deliver this care. She made sure we were able to provide labs in every scenario. As mentioned, Courtnee put in a lot of hours ensuring the lab’s machines, equipment, and supplies were preserved as much as possible during the tornado/after the tornado. She worked closely with Mercy to ensure the patients we saw still were able to receive lab testing. She then set up a lab in the school, then clinic, then back upstairs. This required her to come in on weekends — even when she was supposed to be on vacation — to ensure the lab was ready to go when we opened the clinic back up here,” an ACHS employee who nominated her expressed.

This year, ACHS received 19 nominations for the WOW! Award, showcasing the incredible commitment of our staff. We are so proud to have such exceptional employees working toward our mission of providing outstanding care close to home.

Nominees for the award included Jenna Evans, Amanda Rivera, Cassie Marckmann, Michael Miller, Kelly Berkland, Kim Ehrsam, Amanda Held, Kelly Ahnen, McKynli Newbury, the entire ACHS staff, Derek Perkey, Jessica Mathiews, Emily Kuhns, Jackie Morris, Kacie Cowman, Lisa Hamilton, Terrin Gettler and Mandi Eisbach.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took the time to nominate a colleague for the WOW! Award,” Hillestad said. “Your thoughtful submissions help us recognize the remarkable individuals who make a difference every day.”