Humboldt General Hospital CEO/Administrator Jim Parrish recently learned he will be honored with one of Nevada's most prestigious healthcare honors.
Parrish has been named a 2009 "Healthcare Hero" by the Nevada Business Magazine.
Each year, the magazine recognizes 10 "remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to healthcare" in northern Nevada. Another 10 individuals receive parallel honors each year in southern Nevada.
"I was very surprised-and very honored," said Parrish earlier this month upon learning of the honor. "It was very humbling to me to be considered for this award, especially since I lead a team of over 300 very fine staff members, associates and volunteers who make up Humboldt General Hospital.
Parrish continued, "I stand at the forefront, but they're the ones making everything happen in the background, and it's an honor to accept this on behalf of the entire HGH team.
Parrish will receive the "Administrator" award during an awards ceremony dinner on Thursday, July 30, at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno.
Other award recipients include: "Care Provider" - Shannon Zamboni, M.D., Ralston Family Physicians; "Educator" - Kenneth Maehara, Ph.D., University of Nevada School of Medicine; "Community Partner" - Valerie Clark, Clark & Associates; "Humanitarian" - Sister Maureen McInerney, Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center; "Entrepreneur" - Ruth Merriner, Carson Tahoe Merriner Cottages; "Innovator" - Sherri Rice, Access to Healthcare Network; "Non-Profit" - Doreen Begley, MS, RN, UNR Orvis School of Nursing Clinic; "Technology/Research" - Phillip Goodman, M.D., University of Nevada School of Medicine; and "Lifetime Achievement" - Thomas R. Kozel, Ph.D., formerly of University of Nevada School of Medicine.
Nevada Business Magazine said northern Nevada's "heroes" were chosen by a panel of six judges who honed in on candidates' dedication and tireless efforts to improve the quality of life in their communities and help create a healthier future for Nevada. A separate panel of judges chose southern Nevada's heroes.
Humboldt County Hospital District Board of Trustees President Mary Orr said she was thrilled with the news of Parrish's nomination-but not surprised.
"He has made it his personal mission to ensure the hospital succeeds," she said. "That means that he makes sure staff members have the right tools, the right equipment, the right resources. He has not only continued Humboldt General Hospital's legacy of excellent healthcare, but succeeded in elevating it."
Orr continued, "When Jim came to this hospital five years ago, his goal was to elevate this small rural hospital to national recognition, and he has succeeded. We are recognized for that excellence on many fronts, thanks to this great team and this great institution that Jim Parrish leads."
The "Healthcare Heroes" event is sponsored by Nevada Business Magazine and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. All proceeds benefit students pursuing careers in healthcare education at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, the University of Nevada School of Medicine and Touro University.
For more information on Jim Parrish's nomination as a Nevada "Healthcare Hero," please call Humboldt General Hospital at (775) 623-5222, ext. 123.