Ginkel receives WHA Trustee of the Year Award
Contact: Sasha Dull
Paul Ginkel, a long-time member and current President of the Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, left, received the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) 2013 Trustee of the Year Award at a ceremony held in Prairie du Chien on September 23. The award recognizes the efforts of an individual who promotes the ideals of health care as well as the countless hours a person dedicates to the mission of ensuring that high quality health care is accessible in the local community.
In presenting the award, WHA President Steve Brenton acknowledged Ginkel’s service to the Board and his leadership, but he also recognized Ginkel’s understanding of broad-based community health needs and his participation in local, state and national health care policy. Brenton shared that Ginkel is a strong grassroots advocate for rural health care.
“Paul has always embraced his role in the larger health care community,” Brenton said. “His home base may be Prairie du Chien, but his commitment to improving health care is much broader. He has shared his knowledge of governance and the industry with health care organizations statewide. In addition, he has worked with local elected officials and legislators to build an appreciation for and an awareness of the issues that are unique to rural hospitals.”
Brenton noted that during the selection process, the WHA Awards and Nominations Committee were overwhelmed by not only the nomination letter with 16 attachments, but also by the heartfelt sentiment from those who have been touched by Ginkel’s leadership, compassion and commitment.
“Under Paul’s leadership, the hospital has expanded its scope in the community far beyond those expected from a rural health care provider,” according to Bill Sexton, Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital CEO, “He is active not only in hospital matters, but is a staunch supporter of our entire community. He truly is an asset to our community.”
The Wisconsin Hospital Association advocates for the ability of its more than 130 hospital and health system members to lead in the provision of high quality, affordable, and accessible health care services, resulting in healthier Wisconsin communities.