NICU nurse, Marsha Kimmet, has been recognized as Community Medical Center’s 2025 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

Established in 2001, the Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor an employee can receive.

“At Community Medical Center, our caring and compassionate team members are at the heart of advancing our mission of making communities healthier – and Marsha Kimmet is a shining example of this day in and day out,” said Greg Cook, CEO of Community Medical Center. “We are so proud to recognize her many contributions to caring for patients, supporting rural hospitals, and serving our community. I’m grateful for Marsha’s positive influence and the example she sets for all of us.”

Marsha's impact is revealed in the smallest yet most powerful moments-like when she amazed Missoula County Commissioner, Dave Strohmaier, during a hospital visit and NICU tour by instantly recalling his daughter, whom she had cared for nearly 18 years ago. Her devotion extends beyond individual patients, shaping the very core of NICU care in Western Montana. She has completed over 500 life-saving flight and ground transport missions, ensuring the most vulnerable newborns receive critical care. For rural Montana hospitals, she teaches the STABLE course, empowering local nursing teams with vital newborns skills. During her free time, Marsha meticulously sews thousands of burp cloths for NICU families and plays a key role in NICU reunions – small but meaningful gestures that brighten the experience of parents. Over the years, she has even stepped in personally to provide childcare for medically complex foster children, embracing the role of "Nana" for those who need love and stability.

Her mentorship creates ripple effects, guiding colleagues with patience and wisdom, strengthening Community’s ability to provide quality care.

Marsha was just selected as a semifinalist for Lifepoint’s 2025 companywide Mercy Award and will travel to Nashville, Tenn., in August where the companywide winner will be announced.