JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Craig Thompson, CEO of Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare in Clinton, Mo., has been honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s Visionary Leadership Award. The award, established in 1999, recognizes hospital executives who have taken innovative approaches improving health in Missouri. The award was presented on Nov. 14 at MHA’s 102nd Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo.
“Craig is a true champion for patient care in Missouri.,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “His leadership, and dedication to improving health in the region Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare serves — and statewide — provide a powerful example on how to make a difference.”
Thompson has worked to sustain and grow opportunities for patients to access the care they need. His advocacy serves patients who count on care at Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, but also has benefited Missourians’ access to care in communities throughout the state.
One example of his work to help break down barriers of care was his support for maintaining the stability of the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare leverages 340B to serve the community, including maintaining access to ambulance services in the region and growing access to cancer, diabetes and obstetric care that is not often available in communities of comparable size. Local access to care supports access — encouraging patients who might not otherwise, to seek treatment.
Thompson’s advocacy in both Jefferson City, Mo., and Washington, D.C., has been at the center of efforts to help hospitals innovate and deliver on their community-supporting missions. As a hospital leader, his efforts to educate lawmakers and give voice to how policy influences care at the frontlines, have been essential to supporting change.
“Craig is an exemplary leader that has driven growth and innovation for patient care not only at Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, but for healthcare organizations and communities across the state,” said Tim Glasscock, Board Chair, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare. “He works relentlessly to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care and inspires others to do the same.”
A video honoring Thompson is available at: https://bit.ly/4fwF0LN
The Missouri Hospital Association is a not-for-profit association in Jefferson City that represents 137 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.
