On Wednesday, October 7, the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) honored Bailey Krull, quality services director at Waverly Health Center (WHC), as a 2026 Hospital Hero in recognition of her exceptional service, dedication and impact on patients, colleagues and the community. Bailey was one of 10 Iowa hospital employees selected to receive this year’s award recognition.
“Bailey’s passion for patient advocacy and her commitment to providing compassionate care has made a lasting difference for people during some of their most vulnerable moments,” said Jodi Geerts, CEO of WHC. “By establishing and growing our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, she has expanded access to critical services and support for victims of sexual assault. We are proud to see her recognized for the leadership, expertise and empathy she brings to her work every day.”
The IHA Hospital Hero Award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in service to others, whether through courageous actions in a moment of crisis, extraordinary compassion and commitment to patient care, or a lifetime of meaningful contributions to their hospital and community.
Bailey was recognized for her dedication to establishing the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program at WHC. Her commitment to advocating for survivors of sexual assault has been instrumental in expanding access to compassionate, specialized care and ensuring survivors receive the support and resources they need.