COLUMBUS, Ind. — Anthony “Tony” Pope, retired Chief of Police and Director of Emergency Management at Columbus Regional Health (CRH) was awarded the Douglas J. Leonard Indiana Caregiver of the Year Award by the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) at the 20th annual Indiana Quality and Safety Summit, held June 18 at the Forum Events Center in Fishers.
The award recognizes an individual in the healthcare industry whose performance in delivering care is considered exemplary by patients and peers. It was named in honor of IHA’s fourth president, Doug Leonard, who led IHA from 2007 to 2017 after a 30-year career at CRH, where he served as CEO.
Pope has redefined what it means to be a caregiver in healthcare by demonstrating that safety, compassion, and patient-centered service are inseparable.
CRH stated that Pope worked throughout his tenure side-by-side with caregivers in some of the organization's most challenging environments, fostering a culture where patients, families, and healthcare workers feel protected, respected, and supported. Through innovative workplace violence prevention initiatives, staff education, emergency preparedness leadership, and a collaborative approach that bridges security and clinical care, Pope has improved the healthcare experience for countless individuals.
“Tony has earned the respect of colleagues throughout Indiana and across the healthcare field through a career defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others,” said IHA President Scott B. Tittle. "Tony's example has inspired fellow professionals and improved the healthcare experience for countless individuals, making him a highly deserving recipient of the Douglas J. Leonard Indiana Caregiver of the Year Award.”
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