For 45 years, the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) has celebrated health care workers who exemplify service excellence through its annual “The Caring Kind” Awards. This recognition honors employees who have dedicated their careers to improving their hospitals, co-workers, and communities. Over the years, nearly 2,900 healthcare professionals across the state have been recognized.

This year, Gothenburg Health is proud to recognize Deb Saum, a long-serving employee in the lab department, for this prestigious honor. Saum has been a vital part of Gothenburg Health for over 23 years, with 22 of those spent in a supervisory role, most recently as the Lab Supervisor and Director. Her unwavering commitment to patient care, balancing administrative duties with hands-on technical work, has made a lasting impact on the hospital. Saum has also served in the critical role of Infection Control during her career, further showcasing her versatility and dedication.

This award is a testament to Saum’s passion, leadership, and years of dedicated service to Gothenburg Health and the community it serves. For Gothenburg Health, recognizing Saum’s contributions is a small way of showing appreciation for the countless lives she’s touched over her remarkable career.

Though Saum retired last month, her legacy remains strong. She is now enjoying time with her family, supporting her grandchildren in their various activities and looking forward to coaching and mentoring young people. Married to Craig for 43 years, Deb and Craig have two daughters, Stacy and Nicole, along with their spouses, and seven grandchildren.

The NHA honored Saum and other recipients at “The Caring Kind” Awards Luncheon during the NHA Annual Convention on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in La Vista, NE.