Erlanger CEO Jim Brexler was honored with the American Hospital Association's Grassroots Champion Award.
Brexler was recognized for his "exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of a hospital's mission," a news release from the AHA stated.
The award recognizes hospital leaders who effectively educate elected officials on issues that affect the hospital's role in the community, who garner community support for the hospital and are advocates for the hospital and its patients, the release states.
"We depend upon strong voices like Jim Brexler's to help tell the story of hospitals as cornerstones of the communities they serve," Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO, said in the release. "This award is a small token of our appreciation for his hard work and dedication to improving health and health care in America."
Craig A. Becker, president of the Tennessee Hospital Association, said Brexler has been "an outstanding advocate for Tennessee hospitals and ... a strong advocate for patient safety and quality care."
The American Hospital Association presents the award in partnership with the Tennessee Hospital Association. Each year, the award goes to one person from each state, with winners being chosen by the state hospital association.