New Ulm Medical Center and Hearts Beat Back: The Heart of New Ulm project celebrated a prestigious honor Tuesday, recognizing the reception of a 2014 NOVA Award from the American Hospital Association.

The award is one of only five given across the country every year to hospitals and health systems for their collaborative efforts toward improving community health. The Heart of New Ulm project has been working for five years to improve the health and wellness of the people it treats.

This is a cause for celebration to everyone in the community, since we are all the beneficiaries of the Heart of New Ulm’s attentions. Heart of New Ulm isn’t working alone, either. It collaborates with many companies and businesses in town that see the benefit of having a healthier work force, and are willing to work with HONU?on workplace fitness and health programs.

The program is working, as health statistics show. Statistics for blood pressure and cholesterol levels have been improving, and that means we’re staying healthier.

This award is more than just a plaque to put in an award case. It is a recognition that good work is going on here in New Ulm when it comes to health care.