Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast Named Inaugural Recipient of Joint Commission’s Care Team Award
MOOSIC, Pa., Oct. 5, 2026 — Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast has been named the inaugural recipient of Joint Commission’s Care Team Award, a new national recognition established by Joint Commission, the independent, evidence-based standards-setting organization that sets the benchmark for healthcare quality through accreditation and certification.
Established this year, the Care Team Award recognizes interdisciplinary care teams that demonstrate outstanding collaboration, coordination and commitment to delivering exceptional patient-centered care. Honorees are recognized for their ability to work seamlessly across roles and disciplines to enhance the patient and family experience, achieve superior outcomes and foster cultures of trust, accountability and clinical excellence.
As the 2026 recipient, Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast is recognized for fostering a culture of collaboration, shared accountability and continuous learning that places quality and patient experience at the center of every decision. Joint Commission’s award committee highlighted the team’s ability to translate that culture into action, creating an environment where colleagues across disciplines work together to identify opportunities, address challenges and continuously improve the care experience.
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it reflects who our team is and the commitment they bring every day,” said Kelly Ankenbrand, Market CEO of Geisinger Behavioral Health Centers. “I’m grateful to work alongside colleagues who care so deeply about the individuals we serve, support one another and never stop looking for ways to improve. This honor belongs to every member of the team.”
The award committee also highlighted the team’s commitment to operational excellence and its belief that excellence is not a destination, but a continuous pursuit of higher standards in care and patient experience.
“Our award honorees exemplify what healthcare can achieve when people and organizations are united by a commitment to excellence, innovation, collaboration and service of patients,” said Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, President and CEO of Joint Commission. “Their contributions have advanced safer, higher-quality care and inspired progress for patients and families across the U.S. and around the world. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and grateful for their ongoing dedication to shaping a stronger healthcare system and a better health future for all. Their accomplishments inspire us to think bigger, strive higher and accelerate progress across the care continuum.”
The award was presented during UNIFY™ 2026: Convening for Quality, Joint Commission’s annual conference dedicated to advancing healthcare quality, patient experience and organizational excellence.
“We are incredibly proud of the Geisinger Northeast team for earning Joint Commission’s first Care Team Award,” said Debbie Osteen, Chief Executive Officer of Acadia Healthcare. “Established to celebrate healthcare teams that exemplify the very best of patient-centered care, this award reflects the commitment, collaboration and shared purpose that distinguish this team and the care it provides.”
From left to right: Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, Chief Nursing Executive and Executive Vice President, Accreditation and Certification Operations, Joint Commission; Dr. Imad Melhem, MD, MMM, CPE, Geisinger Health; Kelly Ankenbrand, Market CEO, Geisinger Behavioral Health Centers; Christina Walsh, Chief Nursing Officer, Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast; Elizabeth Mort, MD, MPH, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Joint Commission
About Acadia Healthcare
Acadia is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services across the United States (the “U.S.”). As of June 30, 2026, Acadia operated a network of 279 behavioral healthcare facilities with approximately 12,600 beds in 40 states and Puerto Rico. With approximately 25,000 employees serving more than 84,000 patients daily, Acadia is the largest stand-alone behavioral healthcare company in the U.S. Acadia provides behavioral healthcare services to its patients in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, specialty treatment facilities, RTCs and outpatient clinics.
About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in rural and urban communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates $9 billion in annual revenues across more than 130 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with 509,000+ enrollees in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 600 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,600 clinical research studies. With 28,000 employees, including 1,900 employed physicians and 5,400 registered nurses, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $18 billion on the state’s economy. In 2024, Geisinger joined Risant Health, a nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country.