By: Dawn Brand Fluhler—
Muncie, IN – Indiana University Health East Central President Jeff Bird, MD, recently announced the new role of chief operating officer for Critical Access hospitals in the East Central Region, which will be filled by Rodney Stevens, MSNL, RN.
In this new role Rod will have direct operational responsibilities for both IU Health Jay and IU Health Blackford. He will continue to serve as chief nursing officer for IU Health Blackford.
“Rod has been an important part of nursing operations in the ECR for many years,” Bird said. “Over the next several months, Rod will continue to work with our Chief Nursing Officer, Carla Cox, to transition his current nursing responsibilities at IU Health Ball. Achieving Magnet status at Ball continues to be an important goal for the ECR nursing leadership team and Rod will continue to support this initiative over the summer.”
Stevens has more than 35 years of progressive leadership experience throughout the continuum of healthcare, including nursing administration, comprehensive outpatient cancer services, emergency medical services and multi-specialty physician settings. Stevens earned a master’s degree in management and leadership from Western Governors University, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Ball State University and a paramedic degree from Davenport College.
“With Rod in this new position, I am confident that we have an excellent and solid leadership team in place for our region’s critical access hospitals,” said Dave Hyatt, who was named Critical Access Hospital (CAH) President for Indiana University Health’s in the East Central Region in May.
IU Health Blackford and Jay hospitals are both Joint Commission accredited critical access hospitals. According to the American Hospital Association, a critical access hospital is one that is located in a rural area, provides 24-hour emergency care services, has no more than 25 inpatient beds, and is more than a 35-mile drive from another hospital.
About IU Health Blackford Hospital
IU Health Blackford Hospital serves as a 15-bed critical access hospital for Hartford City, Indiana, and the surrounding communities. IU Health Blackford Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and is home to a specialty clinic, outpatient surgical services, a paramedic-level ambulance service as well as an outpatient physician practice and pharmacy. Dave Hyatt is Critical Access Hospital (CAH) President in the East Central Region for Indiana University Health. Learn more at iiuhealth.org/blackford.
About IU Health Jay Hospital
IU Health Jay is a 25 bed critical access hospital in Portland, Indiana. IU Health Jay Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and is home to a 10 behavioral health unit, inpatient and OB care, surgical services and several medical specialties as well as several outpatient physician practices. Dave Hyatt is Critical Access Hospital (CAH) President in the East Central Region for Indiana University Health. Learn more at iuhealth.org/jay.
