(FARMINGTON, MO – October 15, 2021) – On Friday, October 15, the entire staff of Parkland Health Center was presented with the prestigious Tom Karl Excellence in Healthcare Award for their immeasurable contributions to healthcare in our community throughout the past year. This annual award was created in 2016 to recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to the advancement in healthcare in our region.
Tom Karl, past President of Parkland Health Center, presented the award to Parkland staff members through a video highlighting the heroic measures of the entire Parkland team throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The video, which was shown throughout the facility, provided words of thanks from Parkland Health Center leadership, along with gratitude from representatives of First State Community Bank, Mineral Area College, and Ozarks Federal Savings and Loan, who helped make the award presentation celebration possible.
“I am in awe of the courage this team has shown in serving our community during the pandemic,” said Annette Schnabel, President of Parkland Health Center. “The recipient of this annual award is recognized for their contribution to healthcare in the Parkland region by implementing change resulting in positive results. I cannot think of a group of people who have remained more flexible to a constantly changing environment than our team.”
The outdoor award celebration, hosted by the Parkland Health Center Foundation Board of Directors, included a BBQ meal for Parkland Health Center employees, live music, and various door prizes donated by many generous members of our community.
“Throughout this pandemic, the entire staff at Parkland Health Center has worked tirelessly, caring for patients battling COVID-19 and making heroic efforts and sacrifices while continuing to care for other health needs of the community,” said Debbie Peterson, Chair, Parkland Health Center Foundation. “It seemed only fitting that this year’s award should go to the entire Parkland Health Center team.”
Past recipients of the Excellence in Healthcare Award include Dr. Edward DuMontier (2016), Dr. George Oliver (2017), Carol L. Coulter, RN (2018) and Dr. Richard Winder (awarded posthumously in 2019), and Tom Karl (2020).