HAP's 2026 Achievement Awards
About the Program
HAP's Achievement Awards program recognizes health care providers for innovative patient-centered initiatives that improve health care quality, efficiency, and the health of their communities. Participation is a great way to exchange ideas and celebrate innovation! Award winners will be recognized during HAP’s annual Leadership Summit.
Divisions
To ensure fair and balanced recognition, entries are evaluated within two distinct divisions based on hospital size and scope. Each award category will have two winners—one from each division.
Note: You will be asked to indicate which division you are applying for during the submission process.
- Small/Medium: Organizations with fewer than 300 beds and/or non-acute care providers
- Large: Organizations with 300 beds or more, including health systems
Award Categories
HAP’s Achievement Awards honor Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems leading the way in care delivery, safety, equity, innovation, and community health.
Each of the six categories reflects a unique area of excellence and provides an opportunity to highlight the measurable impact your team is making on patients and communities. Note: Hospitals may self-nominate or be selected by judges from other categories.
Check out last year’s winners for additional context, inspiration, and examples of successful projects.
Community Champions
Celebrates organizations improving health and well-being beyond hospital walls—building partnerships and programs that strengthen communities across Pennsylvania. Examples:
- Initiatives that address social determinants of health
- Partnerships that improve access, literacy, and well-being
- Programs that expand prevention or outreach efforts
- Advocacy connecting lawmakers and providers
Optimal Operations
Honors hospitals achieving operational excellence through innovation, workflow efficiency, and effective resource management. Examples:
- Process redesign or workflow optimization that enhances care delivery
- Cost-reduction or resource-optimization initiatives
- Technology that streamlines operations or advances patient access
- Emergency management or supply chain improvements
In Safe Hands
Recognizes exceptional efforts to strengthen patient safety and reduce preventable harm. Examples:
- Strategies that reduce hospital-acquired conditions or preventable readmissions
- Standardization of high-risk procedures or medication safety practices
- Team-based approaches that improve communication and reduce errors
Excellence in Care
Highlights patient-centered initiatives that advance quality, improve outcomes, reduce disparities, and elevate the care experience. Examples:
- Innovations in clinical care, coordination, or transitions
- Programs that improve disease management, redesign care, or reduce disparities
- Initiatives that strengthen patient and family partnerships in care
- Efforts that enhance access to and quality of behavioral health or maternal health services
Workforce Innovators
Spotlights innovative strategies that strengthen the health care workforce—creating a resilient, well-prepared, and safe future for health care professionals. Examples:
- Partnerships that advance education, clinical experience, or career pathways
- Recruitment and training programs that expand access to health care careers
- Initiatives that improve staff retention, satisfaction, or workforce safety
Living the Vision
One entry will receive this prestigious honor for bold, innovative work that transforms care, improves health, and enhances value—exemplifying HAP’s vision of a Healthy Pennsylvania for all.