MHA recognizes NKC Health with 2025 Aim for Excellence Award
November 11, 2025
The Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) honored NKC Health with the 2025 Aim for Excellence Award for its outstanding clinical outcomes. MHA announced the honor Nov. 5 during its 103rd Annual Convention.
“I am extremely proud of our team for earning this achievement,” said Stephen Reintjes Sr., MD, president and CEO of NKC Health. “The teamwork and dedication that went into making real, patient-focused improvements truly reflect the heart of our mission.”
NKC Health’s Code Blue Committee implemented evidence-based interventions to reduce defibrillation delays, optimize time-to-shock performance, streamline workflows, enhance training and standardize protocols for all team members. These efforts improved adherence to American Heart Association-recommended care by 43%, shortened hospital stays and significantly increased post-cardiac arrest survival to discharge.
Established in 2016, the Aim for Excellence Award annually honors Missouri hospitals for their advancement and outcomes related to progress toward the Triple Aim — better health, improved care and lower cost. The award recognizes achievement, shares successful models, encourages innovation and supports applications to nationally based grants and awards.