Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) has named Barbara Plaugher the BVHS associate of the year and has nominated her for the Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award, presented by the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA).

Each year, the Health Care Worker of the Year award is given by the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) to an employee of an Ohio hospital or health care system. The award recognizes a hospital employee who demonstrates leadership, reflects the values and ideals of Ohio’s health care facilities, goes above and beyond the call of duty, gives back to the community and has overcome odds to succeed.

Plauger began her career at Blanchard Valley Health System in 1958. She has been in various positions throughout Bluffton Hospital during her career, including nursing supervisor, X-ray tech, lab tech, director of nursing services, director of patient services and registered nurse in utilization and review.

She has also worked at Blanchard Valley Hospital as the director of risk management and quality improvement. Currently, she works as a coding analyst at Bluffton Hospital. Outside of work, Plaugher participates in the Bluffton Lions Club, the Volunteer Optometric Services for Humanity and various mission trips.

She has served on 18 missions to Central and South America, Haiti, Eastern Europe and Africa.

The recipient and four finalists for the OHA award will be announced at the annual OHA Recognition Dinner in Columbus on June 11.