The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) recently celebrated their 20-year anniversary on November 28-29, 2023, at the State-wide Conference in Champaign, IL. Morrison Community Hospital has been a part of ICAHN since its inception. ICAHN and its 57 member hospitals make it their overarching goal, to preserve access to rural healthcare, while improving the vibrancy and viability of the communities served.
Rural hospitals deliver high-quality services–including emergency, diagnostic, and primary care–efficiently and affordably, to approximately 1.1 million rural residents living in 60 percent of the Counties in Illinois. They provide competent, compassionate, and community-based care, close to home, for general medical and surgical needs of their patient populations, and strive to create an outstanding patient experience.
Often supporting the “neighbors helping neighbors” concept, our rural hospitals also serve as many of Illinois’ Counties’ largest employers. They have more than 10,250 employees; 1250 hospital beds; combined gross patient revenues of $2.1 billion.
This year the ICAHN Board of Directors selected Morrison Community Hospital CEO Pam Pfister as the recipient of their highest award, “The Presidential Award.” In presenting the award, ICAHN Executive Director Pat Schou commented, “There is no task too big or small, for capable Morrison Community Hospital CEO Pam Pfister. She joined the hospital in 2002 and has served many positions:
1. Clinic Director
2. Materials Manager
3. Human Resources Manager
4. Renovations Director
5. Associate Administrator CEO in 2013.
“Pam has many talents and is never hesitant to take on new roles and responsibilities for the success of the organization. Morrison Community Hospital is thriving today in its completely renovated hospital building, adding new specialty services every year. She is active in the local business community and developed many, new, community partnerships for the Hospital, especially during the COVID-19 years.”
“Pam dedicates her leadership not just to her local community, but also to ICAHN. 2023 ICAHN Board President Ted Rogalski would like to recognize Pam with the top Presidential Award, for stepping into the ICAHN Secretary/Treasurer position in early 2023, and for her longstanding work and support of ICAHN.”
Pam has been actively involved with ICAHN since joining Morrison Community Hospital in 2022, often attending ICAHN Conferences and educational events. She later joined the Trailblazer Group, Illinois Rural Community Care Organization, and served as Legislative and Regulatory Chair in 2020. She helped lead the ICAHN communication efforts during COVID-19, often sharing her hospital experiences on the monthly COVID-19 calls. She was asked to join the ICAHN Board in 2021. She continues to serve as the Chair of the Trailblazer group and graciously accepted the position as Secretary/Treasurer and Finance Chair.
“When Pam Pfister commits, she gives 150% and always with a positive and supportive outlook. She is most willing to share and support her colleagues in any manner she can. It was an easy choice to select Pam for the top ICAHN award, for her service and dedication!”
Morrison Community Hospital Board of Directors, staff, and patients would like to congratulate Pam for this well-deserved honor!
Pictured left-to-right are ICAHN Executive Director Pat Schou; MCH CEO Pam Pfister; ICAHN President Ted Rogalski.
