KAHCC

There were so many great entries for the 2026 Emerald Awards, but only one entry received the Best in Show recommendation from all three independent judges. Congratulations to Samantha Pfannenstiel and Rooks County Health Center for their campaign “Relocate to Rooks." This campaign took a fresh approach to staff recruitment by encouraging people to see themselves living and working in a rural area. A powerful video anchored a coordinated digital strategy introducing Rooks County as a place where professional impact and quality of life go hand in hand. Congratulations!

Some communications projects just defy easy categorization. The following projects received Emerald recognition in the Wildcard category. Congratulations!

Wildcard
Emerald Award
“Paw Squad Calendar,” Marketing & Communications Team, Stormont Vail Health, Topeka, Kan.

“100 Days Celebration,” Samantha Pfannenstiel, Rooks County Health Center, Plainville, Kan.

Certificate of Merit
“It’s a Beaut Clark,” Smith County Memorial Hospital & Smith County Family Practice, Smith Center, Kan.

“Shell-ebrate Health: Using AI to Humanize Healthcare,” Kristen Birket, Patterson Health Center, Anthony, Kan.

“Elevator Insights,” Jennifer Ploeger, Nemaha County Home Health and Hospice / Sabetha Community Hospital, Sabetha, Kan.

“Christmas for Canines,” Tracy Jones, Linda Booth & Judy Rhodes, Coffey Health System, Burlington, Kan.

Congratulations to the following individuals recognized for outstanding work in communications during last week's Emerald Awards. By sharing patient experiences and new health initiatives, these hospitals keep their communities informed and engaged.

Communications – Other Publication
Emerald Award
“MyHealthKC Magazine,” AdventHealth Kansas City, AdventHealth Mid-America Region, Shawnee Mission, Kan.

“HealthBeat Magazine Fitness Court Edition,” Shannon Rogers & Megan Solomon, Smith County Memorial Hospital & Smith County Family Practice, Smith Center, Kan.

Certificate of Merit
“The Power of Local Care Insert,” Courtney Schmelzle, Nemaha Valley Community Hospital & Seneca Family Practice, Seneca, Kan.

Communications – Total Campaign
Emerald Award
“Relocate to Rooks,” Samantha Pfannenstiel, Rooks County Health Center, Plainville, Kan.

“Jackson County Sales Tax Campaign” Roger Stockman & CSC Committee, Holton Community Hospital, Holton, Kan.

“Better Care, Closer to Home: Launching Inpatient Dialysis,” Marketing Team, NMC Health, Newton, Kan.

Certificate of Merit
“Philanthropy & Faith Campaign,” Marketing & Communications Team, Stormont Vail Health, Topeka, Kan.

“AdventHealth Lenexa City Center Grand Opening,” AdventHealth Kansas City AdventHealth Marketing & Communications, AdventHealth Mid-America Region, Shawnee Mission, Kan.

“Caring for the Kingdom Town Halls,” AdventHealth Kansas City AdventHealth Marketing & Communications, AdventHealth Mid-America Region, Shawnee Mission, Kan.

“Career Advancement Program Launch,” WNH Marketing & Cheryl Brock, William Newton Hospital, Winfield, Kan.

Stellar communication is key to keeping your community engaged and informed of the benefit your hospital provides. Congratulations to these outstanding teams who received recognition for the communications work during last week's Emerald Awards.

Communications – Annual Report
Emerald Award
“Together We’re Going Places,” Marketing & Development Teams, NMC Health, Newton, Kan.

Certificate of Merit
“2025 Community Benefit Report,” Courtney Schmelzle, Nemaha Valley Community Hospital & Seneca Family Practice, Seneca, Kan.

Communications – Newsletter
Emerald Award
“AdventHealth KC Newsletter,” AdventHealth Kansas City AdventHealth Marketing & Communications, Shawnee Mission, Kan.

“Vital Signs — Internal Newsletter,” Roger Stockman, Holton Community Hospital, Holton, Kan.

Certificate of Merit
“WNH EXCHANGE Newsletter,” William Newton Hospital, William Newton Hospital, Winfield, Kan.