North Kansas City, MO. (Nov. 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.

About NKC Health

For nearly 70 years, NKC Health, formerly known as North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health, has worked to improve the health and well-being of patients and families across our region. As NKC Health, we keep that promise every day by bringing innovative, comprehensive care that’s always delivered with kindness. With more than 4,700 staff members — including over 600 dedicated physicians — along with specialists and caregivers across 35 locations and counting, we offer everything you need to live your healthiest life. We can’t wait to welcome you. For more information, visit nkchealth.org.

About the Missouri Hospital Association

The Missouri Hospital Association is a not-for-profit association in Jefferson City that represents 136 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.

Contacts:

Hayden Ward
Media Relations and Marketing Coordinator
(816) 691-3069
Cell: (816) 835-9495
Hayden.Ward@nkchealth.org