The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA), has awarded a St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic (SMDC) Health System leader with the 2010 AHA Grassroots Champion Award for Minnesota.

Rocklon Chapin (right), executive vice president and senior officer of SMDC, is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of his and other hospitals' missions.

"We depend upon strong voices like Rocklon Chapin'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."

The AHA awards recognize hospital leaders who educate elected officials on how major issues affect hospitals' vital roles in their communities. The award also honors those who have broadened the base of community support for their hospital and the patients they serve.

"We appreciate Rocky's efforts to advocate for our patients as part of the SMDC system of care," said John Smylie (right), chief administrative officer, SMDC Health System.

Chapin is currently co-chair of the newly formed MHA Physician Leadership Council. He also serves on the Minnesota Hospital Political Action Committee board. He has all made numerous contributions of Minnesota's hospital community over the year by serving on MHA's Trustee Council; General Assistance Medical Care discussion group; Nurse Staffing work group; Healthcare Executives' Institute work group; Work Force Development committee; and Health Care Reform task force.

"Rocky's contributions to the important advocacy work of hospitals in Minnesota has been invaluable," said Lawrence Massa, MHA president and CEO. "We consider him very worthy of this honor and we look forward to having him involved in our future efforts to support the numerous ways in which our hospitals contribute to the community."

The annual awards are presented to one person from each state. Winners are chosen by the state association. The 2010 honorees will be recognized at a special breakfast at the AHA annual membership meeting April 27 in Washington, D.C.

FLIGHT SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY

Lake Superior College Center for Advanced Aviation will host an open house for its professional pilot program Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at its Flight School located near Duluth International Airport. The professional pilot program offers both fixed-wing and helicopter flight training. For more information and directions, call 218.733.7700 or 218.733.7735.

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