Russell County Hospital’s Greta Morrison, Dr. Norman Rexrode receive statewide Governor’s EMS Awards

Team Member Kudos
Dr. Norman Rexrode (second from left) and Greta Morrison with other winners at the 2021 Virginia EMS Symposium.

LEBANON, Va. – Two Russell County Hospital team members received 2021 statewide recognition from the Virginia Department of Health’s Governor’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Awards:

  • Greta Morrison, the hospital’s assistant vice president, administrator and chief nursing officer, received the award for Nurse with Outstanding Contributions to EMS.
  • Norman Rexrode, MD, an emergency physician at Russell County Hospital with more than 40 years of experience, was recognized for Outstanding Contributions to EMS by a Physician.

They received the awards at the Governor’s EMS Awards Dinner in Norfolk. Both Morrison and Dr. Rexrode were also honored with the same awards on the regional level by the Southwest Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council, which led to their nomination for the statewide Governor’s Awards.

“This is a tremendous honor for both Greta and Dr. Rexrode, and a very deserving one,” said Dr. Chad Couch, president of Ballad Health’s Northeast Market, which includes Russell County Hospital. “They are incredibly dedicated to improving the health of Southwest Virginia, and because of their many years of service in supporting emergency medical services, they’ve had a lasting impact on the community they serve. I know their hard work has saved and improved many lives, and we’re extremely proud of them.”

Greta Morrison

Morrison’s award for Nurse with Outstanding Contributions to EMS is presented annually to a nurse who exemplifies outstanding service in emergency medical services; knowledge and performance of EMS nursing skills; and high standards of cooperation and leadership with other EMS personnel and agencies.

Her leadership roles in nursing administration for two decades have created valuable partnerships between Russell County Hospital and regional EMS agencies. She has implemented programs to support EMS agencies and improve the quality of care. Through her service, Morrison has become known as a highly involved nurse, both locally and regionally.

She has also served as an EMT (emergency medical technician) for nearly 20 years, serving in various leadership and clinical roles. She is a lifetime member of Lebanon Lifesaving Crew and currently volunteers with New Garden Rescue Squad and remains committed to EMS agencies, serving as an advocate and a liaison between the hospital and local EMS.

Her contributions have been recognized locally and regionally, earning accolades as the 2006 Manager of the Year by Russell County Hospital, 2007 Officer of the Year for Lebanon Lifesaving Care and the 2010 Regional EMS Award for the Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS.

Dr. Norman Rexrode

Dr. Rexrode was recognized for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a Physician which honors an EMS physician who exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication in the exercise of prehospital care.

He has dedicated nearly 40 years of continuous service as a regional operational medical director and physician course director. Dr. Rexrode has also mentored and guided many physicians over the years and is committed to ensuring very regional EMS agency has access to an operational medical director, at times taking on operational medical oversight of up to 20 licensed EMS agencies – currently serving in that role for nine agencies.

Additionally, Dr. Rexrode is credited with providing the first advanced life support training in Southwest Virginia and serving as the physician course director for all courses since – thus fostering the region’s advanced life support (ALS) system. He is also a recipient of the Servant’s Heart Award, Ballad Health’s highest honor.

More information about Russell County Hospital, its physicians and its leadership is available at www.balladhealth.org.