On Thursday, April 27^th, Mariah Hesse, CNO of Sparrow Clinton Hospital, was awarded the 2023 Rural Health Professional of the Year Award in a luncheon ceremony at the 26^th Annual Michigan Rural Health Conference.

The award is presented to an individual deserving of recognition for their efforts in carrying out exemplary work in promoting health in rural areas, showing excellent leadership in the improvement of healthcare services to the rural areas of Michigan, and making worthy contributions to the improvement of health for the people in rural Michigan. 

The award has been given to an impressive list of rural health leaders since 1994.

Ms. Hesse exemplifies these characteristics. Ms. Hesse, a lifelong rural resident, has not only made significant contributions to Sparrow Clinton Hospital but has made significant contributions to Michigan’s rural health infrastructure through her role as President of the Michigan Critical Access Hospital Quality Network (MICAH QN), a position she has held since 2018. In addition, her contributions extend beyond the State of MI, with Ms. Hesse serving on numerous National committees which help shape the Patient Safety and Quality landscape for Critical Access Hospitals across the Nation. 

Sparrow Clinton Hospital President Kris McCarty shared, “To see Mariah’s recognition for her professional lifelong advocacy is heartwarming as Mariah is an inspired advocate for rural healthcare. Her passion for quality, safety, and patient experience and commitment to lifelong learning and collaboration make her a wonderful mentor for those who surround her.” 

John Barnas, MCRH Executive Director, noted during the award ceremony that “while many are worthy of the award, it’s apparent that Mariah’s commitment to not only the health of her rural community, but the health of the entirety of rural Michigan made her a top choice in 2023”.

Ms. Hesse has made many contributions to Sparrow Clinton Hospital in her tenure, with some highlights including leading a journey to ACCN Pathway to Excellence and increasing access to care by leading the implementation of many new specialty services.

In her role as MICAH QN President, Mariah has grown the Network into a Nationally recognized Quality Network, with MI being recognized by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) as a Top 10 State for Quality Reporting and Performance since 2018.

Crystal Barter, Director of Programs & Services at the MCRH, noted that “while Mariah’s professional accolades are impressive, it’s her personal commitment to supporting others by always being the first to raise her hand to share, mentor, and learn alongside other CAH leaders that make her the epitome of what we hope to recognize in the Rural Health Professional of the Year award”.

Mariah was nominated by Kris McCarty, President of Sparrow Clinton Hospital.