Judi Nelson (center), Registered Nurse at Cass County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), was honored as a Hospital Hero at the Iowa Hospital Association’s (IHA) annual meeting this fall. Presenting the award to Judi are Gary Riedmann, IHA Board Chair, and Pat Markham, CCMH Administrator.

A Registered Nurse at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, was recently honored by the Iowa Hospital Association as one of 10 Hospital Heroes from across the state of Iowa.  Judi Nelson was selected for her efforts in organizing the Every 15 Minutes program for students at Atlantic High School last spring. Every 15 Minutes is a two-day unique educational experience designed to teach students the dangers and consequences of driving while drinking or distracted. 

Nelson organized over 100 volunteers to provide this life-saving educational program, including CCMH staff, community and business volunteers.  After a successful first year, she’s now working to provide the program for Griswold High School in the spring of 2012, and hopes to bring it to CAM High School and back to Atlantic in the future.

Judi was nominated by her co-workers, with letters of support from Atlantic High School Principal Heather McKay and Atlantic Police Chief Steve Green.  The Hospital Heroes were recognized at a special presentation program during the IHA’s annual meeting in Des Moines.