March 16, 2009

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Communications Department
(320) 251-2700, ext. 74980

CentraCare’s Terence Pladson, M.D., recognized by state, national associations as ‘Grassroots Champion’

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA), is honoring the President/CEO of CentraCare Health System, Terence Pladson, M.D., MBA, FACPE, with the Partnership for Action “Grassroots Champion Award.”

As a 2009 Grassroots Champion, Pladson is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of the three CentraCare hospitals’ healing mission. CentraCare operates St. Cloud Hospital, Melrose Area Hospital and Long Prairie Memorial Hospital, as well as 11 clinics in seven communities and three long-term care facilities.

The award was created to recognize those hospital and health system leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect health care’s vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for health care and is a tireless advocate for the health care system and its patients.

“We depend upon strong voices like Dr. Pladson’s to help tell the story of hospitals as cornerstones of the communities they serve,” said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO. “This award is a small token of our appreciation for his hard work and dedication to improving health and health care in America.”

Pladson is the chair-elect of the Minnesota Hospital Association, having served on the MHA board since 2003. He has been a board member of VHA Upper Midwest (formerly known as Voluntary Hospitals of America) since 1998, serving as that group’s board chair from January 2004 through December 2005. He serves on the University of St. Thomas Health Care Advisory Committee, spent three years as a board member of the St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership, served seven years on the local United Way board and one year as chair and was a member of the College of St. Benedict board for nine years.

The award is presented annually to one individual from each state. This is the awards program’s fourth year. Winners are chosen by the state association and recognized at a special Breakfast of Grassroots Champions at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in April. Pladson is one of 51 individuals honored this year.

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