A community health initiative supporting students' well-being.
Kurt Stuenkel, president of Atrium Health Floyd, has received the W. Daniel Barker Leadership Award from the Georgia Hospital Association for his outstanding leadership in enhancing healthcare access in the region. Stuenkel, who has been with the organization since 1981, has significantly improved healthcare services and fostered educational partnerships, notably establishing school clinics and advancing rural health initiatives. His visionary leadership has resulted in substantial growth and impactful changes in healthcare delivery for communities in Georgia and Alabama.
Rome, Georgia – Kurt Stuenkel, the president of Atrium Health Floyd, has been awarded the prestigious W. Daniel Barker Leadership Award by the Georgia Hospital Association. This recognition highlights his exceptional transformational leadership and unwavering commitment to enhancing access to quality healthcare in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama.
Stuenkel, who has been with Atrium Health Floyd since 1981 and has led the organization since 1996, was notably nominated for this award by Delvecchio Finley, the president of Atrium Health Georgia. The award serves to acknowledge healthcare leaders who significantly impact their communities, and Stuenkel’s dedication to improving healthcare services stands as a testament to his visionary approach.
Under Stuenkel’s guidance, Atrium Health Floyd has undergone two substantial cultural revolutions, initially focusing on customer service and teammate satisfaction. These initiatives have not only fostered a positive environment but also garnered numerous accolades for the organization. His implementation of Lean Six Sigma and GE Workout methodologies has resulted in over 17,000 documented changes, culminating in approximately $200 million in realized savings or revenue enhancements.
Stuenkel has championed critical construction projects, which have led to notable growth in the services provided at Atrium Health Floyd. His efforts in promoting rural health services include securing contracts with various public school districts and private schools, effectively positioning Atrium Health Floyd as their Official Health Care Provider. Currently, the organization operates 47 school clinics where school nurses and providers are equipped with access to virtual care technology, ensuring that students receive timely medical attention.
Additionally, Stuenkel has fostered educational partnerships to bolster the healthcare workforce. Collaborating with Georgia Highlands College and Georgia Northwestern Technical College, he has facilitated programs designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare-related fields. His vision also extends to the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation, which has awarded $2.6 million in community grants and raised $6 million in donations aimed at improving healthcare access.
As the executive sponsor for advancing rural health for Atrium Health’s North Carolina & Georgia Division, which spans across four Southeastern states, Stuenkel’s influence is felt well beyond local initiatives. In 2023, his leadership saw Georgia’s first standalone emergency department open in rural Chattooga County, a significant development for residents in need of immediate medical care.
Atrium Health Floyd’s network also includes rural hospitals and medical practices situated in Cherokee County, Alabama, and Polk County, Georgia, further expanding the reach of essential healthcare services under Stuenkel’s leadership.
Caylee Noggle, the President and CEO of the Georgia Hospital Association, emphasized Stuenkel’s dedication to increasing healthcare access for community residents. His innovative approach to health and wellness not only enhances the quality of care provided but also addresses some of the unique challenges faced by rural populations.
Kurt Stuenkel’s receipt of the W. Daniel Barker Leadership Award marks a significant accolade in a career dedicated to cultivating better healthcare systems. His leadership continues to positively impact thousands of lives in the region, fostering an environment where quality care is prioritized and accessible to all.
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