St. Luke’s University Health Network has received a statewide award for a program aimed at improving suicide risk assessment and patient safety across its facilities.
The initiative, titled “Standardization of Suicide Risk Assessment and Interventions Across a Multisite Health Care Network,” was recognized by The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania as part of its 2026 Achievement Awards.
The annual awards program, established in 1978, honors hospitals and health systems for innovative approaches to improving patient care, operations and community health.
St. Luke’s was one of 12 organizations recognized this year and competed in the Optimal Operations category, which highlights efforts to improve efficiency and care delivery.
According to the health network, the initiative standardized suicide risk screening and observation protocols across multiple sites, resulting in improved patient safety and reduced costs.
Reported outcomes included a 44% reduction in non-compliant one-to-one observation orders, a 49% reduction in emergency department observation costs and a 19% reduction in inpatient observation costs. The program also resulted in approximately $2.93 million in cost avoidance, officials said.
“The 2026 HAP Achievement Awards highlight the innovative ways hospitals are delivering outstanding results for patients,” said HAP President and CEO Nicole Stallings. “Hospitals are vital to Pennsylvania, working inside and outside their walls to improve health and strengthen the communities they serve.”
There were 125 entries submitted for this year’s awards.
Officials said St. Luke’s has received 26 HAP Achievement Awards since 2010, more than any other health system in Pennsylvania.
