Bothwell staff honored with MHA Champions of Care awards
Bothwell Regional Health Center is celebrating two of its own after the Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) recognized Eric Rader and the Population Health team with 2025 Champions of Care awards for their exceptional service and impact in delivering care that reaches beyond traditional expectations.
As a member of Bothwell’s Facilities Management team, Rader shows that patient care doesn’t only happen in exam rooms. During dangerous winter weather, when freezing rain threatened road conditions, Rader took proactive steps to ensure hospital operations continued without interruption. He arrived overnight, working through the early morning to clear parking lots, salt walkways and address weather-related issues.
Rader’s efforts ensured that staff, patients and visitors could access the hospital safely. His work highlights the essential, behind-the-scenes role facilities staff play in maintaining a safe and operational environment—especially during emergencies.
Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO, praised Rader’s commitment to taking care of people who take care of people.
“Beyond that fundamental goal, Eric brings joy, smiles and safety to the people served by Bothwell,” he said. “I am very proud to recognize him as an MHA Champion of Care, and I know that his story will inspire others.”
Led by Leslie Harris, Bothwell’s Population Health team tackles care gaps before they become crises. Bothwell is one of six pilot sites for Missouri’s Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) initiative, and the team focuses on helping Medicaid patients access preventive care, avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and connect with support services.
Their work includes arranging transportation, securing appointments and identifying resources that improve health outcomes. By preventing problems before they escalate, the team ensures that patients receive timely, effective care.
Doolittle recognized the team and the broad impact of their work.
“MHA has leaned way in on ToRCH and is determined to support this team’s creative and strategic work to improve health and quality of life,” he said. “We are excited for them and others to show that rural hospitals’ Champions of Care are society’s best bet.”
Bothwell CEO Lori Wightman said the Champions of Care honors reflect the high standard of service and care that Bothwell employees bring to their work every day.
“These awards represent the very best of what it means to serve,” she said. “Eric and the Population Health team exemplify the idea that health care is a team effort—one that depends on people both at and beyond the bedside.”
MHA’s Champions of Care awards are presented annually during National Hospital Week and National Nurses Week to recognize outstanding contributions by Missouri’s health care professionals.
