Kathy Blake, MSN, RN

Project: "A New Model of Primary Care Targeting the Frailest of Chronically Ill Elderly Patients"
Summa Health System
Ohio

Kathy Blake is the Vice President for the Seniors and Post Acute Service Line, the Neuroscience Service Line and multiple provider-based clinics at Summa Health System in Akron, Ohio. The Seniors and Post Acute Service Line encompasses education, research, geriatric clinical program development for acute and post acute care, palliative care, hospice care, home care, community collaborations and strategic partnerships. As VP, Kathy coordinates these components and provides strategic direction aligned with Summa’s mission of improving the health, quality of care, and functional status of older adults and those with chronic and complex illness.

Kathy is passionate about geriatric care and committed to the delivery of high-quality care for older adults. She has played a significant role in guiding the organization to further advance geriatric care and services. Her involvement with achieving system-wide NICHE designation and the opening of a Senior Emergency Department are just two examples of her commitment to advancing care for the aging population.

Kathy earned a BSN in 1986 and completed an MSN with a focus on nursing leadership in 2012. Her diverse background includes numerous leadership positions: head nurse manager, perioperative director, quality and risk manager, accreditation manger, and chief nursing officer.

For a brief project summary click here.