ACH Presents Critical Thinking Award to Nurse Hanson for Heroic Action and Dedication to Patient Care
(Owatonna, Minnesota) – Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. (ACH) is proud to announce Registered Nurse Whitney Hanson as a 2026 recipient of the prestigious Critical Thinking Award.
On November 4, 2025, at the Steele County Detention Center in Minnesota, Nurse Hanson demonstrated remarkable leadership and clinical expertise during a medical emergency. Responding immediately to a radio call, she assessed the situation, applied lifesaving first aid, and requested an ambulance without delay. She directed assisting officers to manage the patient’s wounds while closely monitoring vital signs, ensuring coordinated care until EMS arrived. Her calm, decisive actions in these critical moments reflect the highest standards of professional security and dedication to patient care.
The Critical Thinking Award recognizes an ACH associate or jail staff member who exhibits exceptional critical thinking skills and adaptability in analyzing complex situations, making sound decisions, and implementing innovative solutions to deliver high-quality patient care and enhance outcomes in life-threatening conditions where death would otherwise be imminent.
"We are immensely proud to present this Critical Thinking Award, which highlights the unwavering commitment correctional professionals display toward the persons in their care,” says Jessica Young, Esq., President & CEO of ACH. “Together, we continue to demonstrate that with the right intervention, better outcomes are possible.”
The award was presented on March 2, 2026. To date in 2026, two Critical Thinking Award has been given.
About Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc.
Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. is a family-owned, values-led, contract management company that offers ethical, comprehensive services tailored to populations nationwide. ACH has been awarded two Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics, honored at Music City's Community Choice Awards for having the Best Employee Recognition Program, and named “Best Hospital & Health Care Business of the Year” in the Global 100 Awards for 2025 and 2026. In 2025, ACH was also certified as a Great Place to Work for the 10th consecutive year. In 2024, ACH saved over $15.5 million in taxpayer dollars through bill scrubbing. From 2019 to 2025, over 105% of contracted nursing hours were met nationwide, and more than 131 patient lives were saved. Learn more at advancedch.com.
