Baraboo, WI – In a heartwarming ceremony surrounded by colleagues and family, Julia Randles, Executive Director of the St. Clare Foundation, was awarded the prestigious Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) 2025 Rural Health Ambassador Award. This accolade was presented on Monday, May 12th, marking the commencement of National Health Care Week.
The RWHC Rural Health Ambassador Award celebrates healthcare employees at RWHC hospitals who have exceeded expectations in promoting their organizations and contributing significantly to rural health. Awardees are recognized for their longstanding dedication to fostering positive communication and relationships within their respective service areas. This includes involvement in community boards and service organizations, participation in volunteer and public speaking opportunities, and supporting community health activities beyond the hospital's immediate focus.
Julia was nominated for her exemplary work in the community, particularly her support of SSM Health partnerships and her efforts in building relationships with donors, nonprofits, and local government. Her ability to bridge philanthropy and patient care improvements through collaboration with local leaders and donors who share her commitment to community health was a key aspect of her nomination. Julia's dedication to the SSM Health Mission is evident in her active participation in hospital volunteer programs, the Auxiliary, and public health initiatives.
Dina Boyle, SSM Health Vice President of Wisconsin Region Philanthropy, praised Julia in her nomination: “Julia’s tenure and experience at SSM Health St. Clare Foundation have established her as a trusted resource at St. Clare Hospital and throughout the community. She is a passionate advocate for advancing high-quality rural health care and expanding access to local care for those most in need. For Julia, community is a priority, and ensuring care for the poor and vulnerable is always top-of-mind. Her work with local leaders and donors who share this passion connects philanthropy to improvements in patient care and the overall health of her community.”
Congratulations to Julia on being the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Baraboo 2024 Rural Health Ambassador Award winner!
About SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo
SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across the Midwest through one of the largest integrated delivery systems in the nation.
SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo is Sauk County’s largest hospital, serving the health care needs of residents in the greater Baraboo, Lake Delton and Wisconsin Dells area. The 100-bed hospital provides radiation oncology, total joint replacement, women’s health services, and other specialty care. Repeatedly recognized as a Top 100 Rural Hospital by Chartis, a Top 20 Rural Hospital by the National Rural Health Association, and a CMS 5-Star Hospital.
About the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative
Incorporated in 1979, the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative receives national recognition as one of the country's earliest and most successful models for networking among rural hospitals. RWHC serves as a catalyst for regional collaboration and as an aggres¬sive, creative force on behalf of rural communi¬ties and rural health. Owned and operated by 45 acute, medical-surgical hospitals, RWHC offers its members a wide range of shared services that meet local community health needs, including: staffing, consulting, management, networking and education.
