Owensboro Health Leader Honored with KHA Patient Safety Hero Award

Owensboro Health is proud to announce that Jessica Crisp, Vice President and Associate Chief Nursing Officer for System Quality, has been recognized by the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) with the prestigious Patient Safety Hero Award. This honor celebrates Jessica’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing patient safety across our health system.

The award was presented during this month’s Safety and Performance Improvement meeting by Casey Franklin, Associate Vice President of Quality and Health Professions, and Jessica Covington, Quality Program Pharmacist. It highlights the innovative contributions of healthcare professionals who drive meaningful improvements in care quality and reliability throughout the Commonwealth.

“Throughout my years of working with Jessica, one thing has always stood out: she is great at what she does,” said Francis DuFrayne, MD, Chief Medical Officer.

Jessica’s leadership has transformed Owensboro Health’s approach to performance improvement. By applying LEAN methodology and supporting Gemba board projects, she has optimized data presentation and provided continuous coaching to leaders. Her efforts have strengthened patient-centered care and enhanced safety across our three-hospital network.

“Jessica leads performance improvement measures throughout the organization and has built a proactive team focused on safe, reliable care,” said Angie Ford, Director of Quality and Patient Safety.

Jessica also collaborates with other healthcare organizations to share best practices, conducts weekly safety briefings, and spearheads initiatives to prevent workplace violence. These system-wide changes reflect her dedication to creating a safer environment for patients and staff alike.

“Jessica was selected for her leadership in patient-centered, safe, and reliable care, including system-wide performance improvement, fall reduction, and workplace violence prevention,” said Bill Bryant, MD, Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety.

Jessica credits her success to the entire Owensboro Health team:

“This recognition is not just a reflection of my efforts—it’s a testament to the incredible teamwork and shared commitment across our organization. Together, we’ve built a foundation that prioritizes safe, high-quality care for every patient we serve.”

Congratulations to Jessica and her team for this well-deserved honor. Their work exemplifies Owensboro Health’s mission to build healthier communities through compassionate, high-quality care.