“Carol has been an employee of PRH for 52 years,” said Heather Alvarez, PRH Laboratory Services Manager. “Throughout this time she has demonstrated her strong commitment to PRH and the community.”

Black began her career at PRH in 1966 at age 23 when she accepted a position as head Laboratory Medical Technologist at Prairie Ridge Health, then located at 633 West James Street in Columbus.

In addition to her efforts in the laboratory, Black has served as a member of the Volunteers of Prairie Ridge Health for 50 years, with several years in leadership roles as president, vice president, and gift shop manager.

“Carol is a strong advocate of the Volunteers of Prairie Ridge Health and rural healthcare. She understands the importance of the overall knowledge of rural health in general and shares this knowledge with others.” said Patti Walker, PRH Community Relations and Volunteer Coordinator. “Carol’s upbeat attitude and commitment to rural health is contagious. She sets a strong example for others to remain positive through the ever-changing world of healthcare.”

Incorporated in 1979, the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative receives national recognition as one of the country's earliest and most successful models for networking among rural hospitals. RWHC serves as a catalyst for regional collaboration and as an aggres­sive, creative force on behalf of rural communi­ties and rural health. Owned and operated by 29 acute, medical-surgical hospitals, RWHC offers its members a wide range of shared services that meet local community health needs, including: staffing, consulting, management, networking and education. Prairie Ridge Health is an active member of RWHC; their employees support the shared mission of “strengthening and sustaining rural health”.