Owensboro, KY — March 12, 2026 — RiverValley Behavioral Health (RVBH) Children’s Hospital has received the 2026 Kentucky Hospital Association Quality Award in the Psychiatric Hospitals category, marking the first time in the organization’s history it has earned this prestigious statewide recognition.
The KHA Quality Team selected RVBH for the creation and development of the BIRCH Program, recognizing both the innovation behind the program and the hospital’s strong commitment to quality, leadership, and excellence in psychiatric care.
According to KHA reviewers, RVBH distinguished itself through measurable outcomes and a clear dedication to advancing behavioral health services across Kentucky.
“Receiving this recognition is an incredible honor and a moment of pride for our entire team,” said Katie Demko-Day, Administrator of RVBH Children’s Hospital. “Since opening The BIRCH in August 2024, we’ve seen youth who once faced repeated placement challenges successfully transition to less restrictive levels of care with greater stability and hope. This award affirms that when we work together with clarity and commitment, we can raise the standard of care and strengthen Kentucky’s behavioral health system for the youth who depend on it.”
The BIRCH Program is a specialized long-term treatment program for high-acuity youth. Developed in partnership with and funded by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the program is the first of its kind in Kentucky and serves male adolescents ages 12–17 who require six to nine months of intensive, trauma-informed treatment. BIRCH supports youth who have struggled in previous placements or experienced repeated crises by helping them build stability, confidence, and hope for the future.
RVBH President and CEO Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta emphasized the broader significance of the recognition.
“This award represents the young people who have found healing, the families who have found renewed hope, and the dedicated professionals who make this work possible every day,” she said. “It underscores RVBH’s leadership in advancing behavioral health care across Kentucky through strong infrastructure, meaningful collaboration, and a shared commitment to raising the standard of behavioral healthcare.
“Our partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services demonstrates what is possible when vision, funding, and clinical expertise align to address critical gaps in the behavioral health system. Ensuring every youth and family has access to the care and support they need is a complex responsibility, but through collaboration, meaningful and lasting
change is achievable.”
RVBH Children’s Hospital will be formally recognized at the 2026 KHA Quality Conference on Monday, March 23 at 3:45 p.m. ET at the Louisville Marriott East.
For more information about RiverValley Behavioral Health and the BIRCH Program, visit rvbh.com.
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