D CEO Magazine named JPS Health Network the Outstanding Health System for the Dallas-Fort Worth region Tuesday during its 2020 Excellence in Healthcare Awards.
“I couldn’t be more proud of each and every member of our team,” Robert Earley, President and CEO of JPS, said in response to the announcement. “Not one of our 7,200 team members comes to work every day for the purpose of trying to win awards. They do it because they care about the health of the people of Tarrant County. But, especially in the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s tremendously gratifying to know their efforts are being noticed.”
Also a winner at the awards ceremony, which for the first time this year was held virtually because of COVID-19, was JPS Manager of Violence Prevention Mary Ann Contreras who was named Outstanding Healthcare Advocate.
“Needless to say, I was struck with gratitude,” Contreras said of winning the honor. “It truly takes a village to do the work for those most in need and I am honored to be a part of the team.”
Contreras was nominated for the award for her tireless work to create programs and policies to identify and assist people who are the victims of intimate partner violence and human trafficking. Her initiatives have helped create a way out of their otherwise hopeless situations by allowing patients to discretely ask for the help they need and then providing them with support and resources patients need to be successful in regaining their independence.
Despite the fact that COVID-19 kept finalists apart, D-CEO Editor Will Maddox said it was more important this year than ever that the honors went on as planned.
“We know that you have faced unprecedented challenges this year, and by all accounts, have a tough winter ahead,” Maddox said to honorees. “We have been in awe of your bravery, collaboration, and determination to treat COVID-19 and save lives, while running your organizations and serving the multitude of other patients and crises you face every day. If there was ever a group of people who deserved recognition, a night to celebrate and honor one another, and, yes, have a glass of champagne or two, it is you—the members of DFW’s healthcare community.”
While she didn’t win the award, also recognized at the virtual event was Devon Armstrong, Director of Care Management, Outpatient at JPS. She was a finalist in the category of Outstanding Health System Innovator.
Armstrong said she was elated to be named among four finalists in her category.
“I honestly didn’t expect to win up against those executives,” Armstrong said. “The nomination and being a finalist are things I will never forget. I am so honored to be recognized in this way.”
The local recognition comes following the announcement over the summer that the health network was rated the number one hospital in the country by Washington Monthly Magazine using a ranking system created in conjunction with the Lown Institute.