Winona Health president/CEO to chair American Hospital Association Section for Small or Rural Hospitals

After being selected to serve as  chair-elect in 2016, Rachelle Schultz, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Winona Health, will begin serving as chair of the governing council for the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Section for Small or Rural Hospitals in 2017. “Rural healthcare is the backbone of our country’s healthcare system,” said Schultz. “Those of us who have chosen smaller communities to live, work and raise our families need viable healthcare services. The members of the Small and Rural Hospitals governing council are strong advocates for rural healthcare, and I was very pleased to be asked to chair this committee whose mission I deeply believe in.” The AHA’s Section for Small or Rural Hospitals provides representation, advocacy and educational opportunities to help the nation’s small or rural hospitals better serve the health needs of patients and communities. The 18-member governing council represents small or rural hospitals in the AHA’s policy process and member services initiatives. In addition, the council advises the AHA on federal policy issues. Schultz has more than 25 years’ experience in healthcare management. At Winona Health, she oversees a 99-bed acute care hospital, physician clinics, a 120-bed nursing home, three assisted living residences, hospice program, retail pharmacies, a foundation and related healthcare services.