Lodi Hospital leader honored as Ohio’s 2025 Rural Health Community Star

Karen Gates, DNP, RN, NE-BC, administrator for nursing and operations at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Lodi Hospital, has been named Ohio’s 2025 “Community Star” by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), an honor recognizing exceptional service in rural health care nationwide.

The award is presented each year in conjunction with National Rural Health Day, held the third Thursday in November, and highlights individuals and organizations working to advance the health needs of the nearly 61 million Americans living in rural communities.

Gates, who joined Lodi Hospital in 2022, said the recognition reflects the commitment of the hospital’s caregivers and the close relationships they form with patients and families.

“Being a Critical Access Hospital means working efficiently with a lean team to deliver safe, quality care to our community,” Gates said. “We focus on building strong relationships with patients and their families, listening to their needs, and ensuring everyone receives personalized attention. The dedication of our team is reflected not just in clinical outcomes, but also in the trust and gratitude we earn from those we serve.”

Since arriving in Lodi, Gates has prioritized communication and shared decision-making, establishing structures that give nurses a stronger voice in operations. One of her most significant achievements, she said, was creating a shared governance system—including a practice council, quality council and nursing leadership council—that helped Lodi Hospital become the first Critical Access Hospital in Ohio to earn the ANCC Pathway to Excellence designation in 2024.

Gates has also implemented several programs aimed at improving access to care and staff safety. After identifying gaps in specialty care, the hospital launched a telemedicine infectious disease program in 2024, followed by virtual pulmonology consults for admitted patients. She also created a “Safe at Work” task force that meets monthly to address security and environmental concerns.

Her focus on community partnerships has extended beyond the hospital’s walls. In 2023, Lodi Hospital partnered with Medina Birthcare, a local nonprofit that provides free diapers, formula and wipes to families, after noticing that the hospital’s ZIP code was not being served. The hospital offered space for distribution days, and the program soon grew to serve dozens of families monthly, later expanding to include Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services.

Gates said her work is grounded in the belief that rural health thrives when communities collaborate.

“The ‘Power of Rural’ means making a difference in the community by understanding community needs from a holistic standpoint,” she said. “Collaborating with other health systems and community members, and listening to our neighbors — together we can bring change.”