2025 CARE Award Recipient Named

Punxsutawney Area Hospital can trace its origin back to 1888. Founded by local residents who were concerned with the well-being of their neighbors and community, the history of the community is inseparable from that of the Punxsutawney Area Hospital. This history has sustained and served, our families and this community over multiple generations. Recognized repeatedly as one of the top rural hospitals in the nation, Punxsutawney Area Hospital’s trusted physicians and staff have brought the community advancements in health care and medicine delivered with a personal touch. As the second largest employer in Jefferson County, Punxsutawney Area Hospital has been blest with a workforce that enables a Proud Past and Solid Future.

As PAH continues to not only withstand the uncertainties of rural health care but thrive, leadership would be remiss to not recognize the outstanding efforts of those fulfilling the mission of the hospital every day. Recognition at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital comes in many forms, most frequently in the form of kind words and gestures of gratitude.  In 2022, the Punxsutawney Area Hospital began participating in a national program called the DAISY Foundation. This foundation was formed on the basis of care, compassion, and dedication of nurses to their patients and facilities they serve. The DAISY Foundation, was an answer to establishing a way to recognize nurses but left a void for many others. The CARE Award Recognition program was established in May of 2023 at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital to promote and highlight the extraordinary efforts of members of the workforce. PAH recognizes that being a successful organization and providing the best care possible to our patients is a collaborative effort. The CARE Award program has been developed to recognize hard-working individuals of the organization who do not qualify for the DAISY Award but serve an equally significant part for our organization.

What does CARE stand for?
C= Compassion and Care for the patients that are served, for the job the staff member does, and how the employee treats fellow co-workers and visitors
A= Admirable attributes possessed and displayed in the job of the staff member
R= Respect shown for patients, visitors, coworkers, and the job that staff member does at PAH
E= Excellence in the job that is performed. 

The CARE Award Recipient for 2025 was announced at the National Hospital Week Kick Off Event on Monday, May 12th. This years’ recipient is Travis Smith, RRT. Travis started at PAH in 2013. He currently resides in Luthersburg with his wife Jill, and daughters, Ella and Rosalie, and dog Tyson. He attended Gannon University in Erie, PA where he received a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care.
Travis was nominated by a co-worker, one of many, who witness his positive attributes and compassionate care for patients on a regular basis. “He communicates with the patient in a manner that is comprehensible and soothing. Travis not only treats the patients with dignity and respect, but he also demonstrates respect for all team members, including the housekeepers, ” stated his nominator. Travis is always first to help and assist others as they care for patients. When asked what his favorite thing about being a Respiratory Therapist is, Travis cited taking care of patients and being able to improve how the patient feels. “He is not only concerned with the lungs of our patients, but also with the patient as a whole. He provides support to other team members in order to ensure that the patient receives the highest quality of care in a timely manner,” continued his nominator.

Surprised by this recognition, Travis thought he was attending the kick-off celebration to support a co-worker. “I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the over 400 employees at Punxsutawney Area Hospital.  The caring attitude and respect shown equally for all patients, staff, and visitors at PAH  is what this award represents and is truly a reflection of all of you.
The patients are our reason for being here.  May we treat them and all we encounter with humane unconditional love,” stated Travis.

Anyone may submit a nomination who experiences or observes extraordinary compassionate care being provided by any staff member or witnesses the staff member performing their job in an exemplary manner. The criteria for the selection process has been detailed and outlined specifically for the committee to ensure a consistent method for reviewing the nominations. Nominations for the CARE Award are accepted all through the year, with the presentation being made annually during National Hospital Week. Additional information can be found on www.pah.org.