COLUMBUS — The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) recently bestowed their 2009 Rural Health Ambassador Award to Sandy Waugh, a registered nurse in the cardiac rehab and emergency departments at Columbus Community Hospital.

The award recognizes health care employees at RWHC hospitals who have gone above the call of duty in promoting their respective organizations, while making significant contributions to rural health.

Each recipient demonstrates a history of fostering positive communication and relations within the hospital's respective service area by: serving on community boards/service organizations; taking advantage of volunteer opportunities; and supporting community health activities beyond the scope of the hospital.

"Sandy is dedicated first and foremost to patients and improving their quality of life," said Sue Schweitzer, director of outpatient services at Columbus Community Hospital. "She is an advocate for the organization in promotions at numerous health fairs and through the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association functions."

Waugh, who also serves as an ACLS trainer has been serving patients and their families at Columbus Community Hospital for the past 23 years. She has been an active participant in a variety of health fairs and hospital events including the CCH women's day, the National Night Out, the Dodge County Senior Expo, the Waterloo/Marshall Community Expo, the American Heart Association Go Red For Women campaign and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. In addition she is a member of the hospital's employee wellness squad.

Incorporated in 1979, the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative receives national recognition as one of the country's earliest and most successful models for networking among rural hospitals. RWHC serves as a catalyst for regional collaboration and as an aggres-sive, creative force on behalf of rural communi-ties and rural health. Owned and operated by 29 acute, medical-surgical hospitals, RWHC offers its members a wide range of shared services that meet local community health needs, including: staffing, consulting, management, networking and education. Columbus Community Hospital is an active member of RWHC; their employees support the shared mission of "strengthening and sustaining rural health."