The Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) has honored Gerald “Jerry” Berge of Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics with its 2023 Trustee Award. WHA Immediate Past Board Chairman John Russell, president and CEO of Prairie Ridge Health in Columbus and former CEO of Boscobel Area Healthcare, presented the award to Berge on Nov. 1 in a surprise event at the hospital.
“To walk into a room filled by family, community members, local and system leaders and folks from every department of this great organization blew me away,” Berge said. “Being presented with this award by John made it even more special. It’s a day that will be forever cemented in my mind and my heart.”
For more than 60 years, WHA has recognized outstanding member trustees, those who excel and make an exemplary commitment to their hospital and community.
In presenting the award to Berge, Russell said, “Jerry is a true ambassador for Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics. His engagement is contagious as evidenced by his constant presence at important employee and community-focused events, meetings and celebrations. His ability to connect with people from all backgrounds, beliefs and roles is a real gift. There is no mistaking Jerry’s level of commitment to the organization, the team and the communities.”
In Berge’s nearly 20-year tenure as a trustee, he has been instrumental in strengthening Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics through his time, talent and unmatched passion.
Most notably, Berge played a key role in the successful 2013 affiliation with Gundersen Health System that paved the way for expanded specialty services in Boscobel, including onsite oncology services, a new electronic health record system to support the continuity of care, and ongoing opportunities for growth and financial sustainability.
A powerful advocate for rural health, Berge is highly engaged with community organizations and efforts that enhance access to local healthcare services. This includes serving as an emergency medical technician and emergency medical responder for more than 34 years and holding the role of service director for the Woodman First Responders for nearly 19 years until retiring in June 2023.
Recently, he was elected president of the newly formed Boscobel EMS Board of Directors and continues to serve in that role today. Over the course of 32 years, Berge has also been part of several Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Teams (CISDs) across the state, including the recent coordination of the Southwest Wisconsin CISD team.
Berge has served on the Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics Foundation Board of Directors for over 20 years and has also served on the Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics Board of Directors since 2005. Currently, he leads both boards as president and was recently appointed to the Bellin-Gundersen Health System Corporation, where he will serve as an ambassador for the new corporation.
As part of his recognition, WHA will donate $500 to the charity of Berge’s choice.