Richland Center, WI – Richland Center resident Sarah Stibbe was announced to thunderous applause as the 2025 recipient of the Rural Health Ambassador Award during a brief ceremony at The Richland Hospital and Clinics. This prestigious accolade, created by the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC), is presented annually to a hospital employee who “has gone above and beyond the call of duty in promoting their respective organizations and made significant contributions to rural health care in general.”
Stibbe’s dual title of Administrative Assistant for Patient Care and Volunteer Program Director might offer insight into her day-to-day work, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. She restarted “Club Scrub,” a volunteer educational program designed to expose middle school students to the varied world of health care professions. She also collaborates with local schools to coordinate volunteer opportunities for teens at The Richland Hospital and Clinics, and school-to-work programs for high school students. Her list doesn’t stop there. Stibbe is also often the first in line to assist Partners of The Richland Hospital and Clinics to carry out fundraising events and is a primary organizer for holiday giving trees.
Sarah Stibbe’s tireless work within the organization has not gone unnoticed, nor has her positive attitude toward service. According to one of the nominations received, “The saying ‘see a need, lend a hand’ defines Sarah’s willingness to help others…The best part of her support is it is always given with a smile and a get-it-done attitude.”
Sarah Stibbe accepted the award with tears in her eyes and a heartfelt statement of gratitude for the kind words shared. “Thank you for believing in me, and allowing me to work here, and in the community,” she said, as her family filled the room.
The Richland Hospital and Clinics is a nationally awarded health care facility dedicated to caring, educating, and healing. Providing compassionate care for over 100 years to residents of the greater Richland County area, TRHC operates in three locations, including rural health clinics in Muscoda and Spring Green, and a clinic, pharmacy, and critical care at its primary health center in Richland Center, WI. ###
The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) has established the Rural Health Ambassador Award to recognize employees at member hospitals or collaborative partners who have gone above the call of duty in promoting their respective organizations and made significant contributions to rural health care in general. The award criteria do not necessarily emphasize job performance or years of service – although these may be used as secondary factors in your internal selection process. Any organization that is a current member of RWHC is encouraged to select one employee to receive this annual award. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a history of fostering positive communication and relations within the hospital’s respective service area – and beyond.
Photo caption: Sarah Stibbe, Administrative Services and Volunteer Director with The Richland Hospital and Clinics (right) receives the 2025 Rural Health Ambassador Award, presented by Marie Barry (left), Director of Community Economic & Workforce Development, Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative.
