The American Telemedicine Association named Deanna Larson, RN, winner of its Woman of the Year award.
Ms. Larson is CEO of Avera eCARE, a telemedicine network that is part of Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Avera Health. She won the award, "for having demonstrated exceptional character and leadership along with continued service to the American Telemedicine Association and telehealth industry," according to a press release.
Ms. Larson became CEO of Avera eCARE in 2006. During her tenure, Avera eCARE established telemedicine programs for emergency room care and pharmacy services. Its network includes 400 sites in 17 states.
It has also received numerous grants, from federal sources as well as The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. In 2012, Avera eCARE developed eHelm, a virtual hospital in Sioux Falls, using grant funding from the trust.