For the 23rd year in a row, Community HealthCare System (CHCS) has been nationally recognized for its outstanding commitment to workplace safety, earning recertification through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).
CHCS remains the only hospital in Kansas—and currently one of just two in the nation—to hold this prestigious designation, and has done so every year since 2002.
SHARP recognizes employers that operate comprehensive, effective safety and health management systems. CHCS first partnered with the Kansas Department of Labor’s Safety Assistance and Consultation Program in 2001 to strengthen and standardize safety practices across its growing system of clinics, hospital, and long-term care facilities.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” said CHCS CEO John Fitzthum. “Being recognized again by OSHA shows our unwavering dedication to protecting our patients, residents, and team members, and providing the safest care possible.”
Why Safety Culture Matters
A recent report by the American Hospital Association and Press Ganey reinforces the critical importance of a strong safety culture. According to Improvement in Safety Culture Linked to Better Patient and Staff Outcomes, hospitals that prioritize safety report better outcomes not only for patients but also for their staff.
“A strong safety culture supports care teams through the demanding tasks of care delivery and makes a noticeable difference in how patients experience their care,” the report notes. “When caregivers feel supported, work with effective teams, and know their voices matter, both patient safety and workforce engagement improve.”
That is precisely the environment CHCS has worked to foster.
“SHARP challenges us to stay one step ahead—identifying risks before they become problems and learning from every incident,” said Michael Bomberger, CHCS Director of Business Development and Special Projects. “It’s not about meeting the minimum—it’s about building a truly proactive culture of safety.”
Allen Vinyard, Director of Industrial Safety and Health for the Kansas Department of Labor, praised CHCS’s commitment. “Maintaining SHARP recognition for 23 years is a rare and impressive achievement. It’s clear that CHCS is doing something right—and we’re proud to continue working alongside them.”
System-Wide Collaboration
Fitzthum emphasized that safety at CHCS is a team effort. “It takes everyone—clinical, clerical, administrative, operations, and environmental services—working together to uphold our high safety standards,” she said. “I’m proud of our associates for their ongoing dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for all.”
CHCS locations certified by OSHA SHARP include:
- Centralia, Onaga, Frankfort, Holton, St. Marys, and Westmoreland clinics
- Onaga Community Hospital
- Eastridge Skilled Nursing Facility
- Community HomeHealth
- Redbud Plaza Assisted Living
- St. Marys Manor
As national data continues to show, a strong safety culture not only protects healthcare workers but also leads to better patient experiences and a more resilient care system. CHCS’s long-standing SHARP recognition is a testament to the organization’s commitment to both.
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