Arlene Harms, CEO of Rio Grande Hospiral
in Del Norte, CO

This year’s recipient has championed high quality health care in rural communities for over 25 years 

She is known for being service oriented, community-driven, and has successfully led her team in their efforts to deliver sustainable healthcare.

She is a proven leader and dedicated healthcare professional focused on identifying and delivering innovative solutions that communities need.

I am so pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Founder’s Award has held the position of CEO for over Seventeen years at Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte, CO – Arlene Harms.

Arlene received her:

• • Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Terminology from Taber College in Hillsboro, Kansas, and her
  • Master’s in Health Administration from the California College of Health Sciences

Her career has included:

• • Medical Technologist
  • Laboratory Director
  • Ancillary Service Director
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Supervisor
  • Assistant Administrator, and 
  • Chief Operating Officer at 2 Rural Hospitals

Arlene is involved in many community activities including organizing annual Health Fairs, presenting public educational workshops, and actively participating in Relay for Life, American Cancer Society.

She has sat on the Board of Directors for:

• • Colorado Rural Health Center
  • Colorado Hospital Association
  • State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council
  • Colorado Hospital association Trust for Worker’s Compensation, where she is currently the Chairman

Her past accomplishments include:

• • Helping to acquire HUD 242 funding for a new 18 million dollar facility
  • Speaking at the Bond Buyers National Convention on Critical-Access Hospital Building Project
  • Assisted with LEAN project for HUD 242 Process

She has been awarded:

• • The 2023 CRHR Rural Health Champion for hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence
  • The 2024 CHA Excellence in Rural Leadership Award

Here’s what one of her staff have shared about her leadership:

Arlene is a servant leader. It is not every day that you see the CEO serving meals and clearing plates at events or when rounding on patients, yet you will see Arlene do that over and over.

She has a heart of compassion for her communities as well as her staff members and has often helped them emotionally, professionally, and sometimes even monetarily without ever wanting any type of recognition.

She is the definition of humility. She thinks outside the box and isn't afraid to go after her dreams for both her facility and the communities her team serve.  This is well evidenced in the only hospital within 100 miles with a hyperbaric would care center and their newly opened Wellness Center.

She sees in her staff things that are often missed by themselves and others and she works with them to become the best version of themselves. She is a mentor, is very knowledge, and she loves to share that knowledge. 

Her leadership over the past 17 years at Rio Grande Hospital has brought their facility from a place of being on the verge of closing to a financially sound facility! Her legacy will be one that has helped many people without an ounce of expecting anything in return.

She leads with tenacity and direction and is firm in what needs to be done. She works countless hours and is well respected in the medical community not only in the state of Colorado but throughout the US. We are blessed beyond measure to have her at the helm! 

We celebrate this year’s Founder’s Award Recipient, Arlene Harms.

Dr. Suresh Lahano,
Daviess Community Hospital in Washington, IN

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go.  They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom.  They stay in our lives for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same." - Flavia Weedn

Tonight, we honor the legacy of Dr. Suresh Lohano from Daviess Community Hospital, who tragically passed away in a car accident on July 10, 2024.

Dr. Lohano devoted his life to caring for others – his patients, colleagues, friends, and family.  He had a remarkable ability to be everything to everyone, seamlessly building relationships and creating strong teams.  He never shied away from a challenge, often reminding his team, "We are here for the patient; just do the right thing for the patient."  His laughter and mischievous smile could turn stressful moments into manageable ones, encouraging everyone to "just enjoy it."

His commitment to his patients was unparalleled.  He remembered every detail of their cases, treating each individual with profound care and dedication.  As one of his patients said, "He saved my life TWICE.  He went above and beyond what was necessary to make sure that I recovered both times.  He was my hero."  This sentiment is echoed by many who had the privilege of being under his care.

For 27 years, Dr. Suresh Lohano served not only Daviess Community Hospital but the entire region, bringing extraordinary medical expertise and compassion to all.  His impact reached far beyond the hospital walls, as he touched lives in the community, offering both skill and genuine concern for every person he met.

Dr. Lohano was not just a physician; he was the heartbeat of Daviess Community Hospital – a cornerstone of their community.  He guided the hospital through challenges and provided invaluable advice, earning the trust of his colleagues and leaders alike.

As we present this Legacy Award, let us remember the lessons Dr. Lohano taught – compassion, humility, and dedication.  His unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others will forever inspire his friends, colleagues and everyone who loved him.  Dr. Lohano’s legacy lives on in each of them, reminding them to carry forward his passion for medicine and kindness.

Thank you, Dr. Lohano, for your indelible impact.  You will never be forgotten.

To accept this award on behalf of his family is Angie Steiner, Director of Service Excellence for Daviess Community Hospital