/ en Thu, 22 May 2025 23:48:33 -0500 Wed, 21 May 25 21:21:48 -0500 /press-releases/2025-05-21-aha-statement-house-reconciliation-legislation <div class="row"><div class="col-md-2"><p>Contact:</p></div><div class="col-md-10"><p>Colleen Kincaid, <a href="mailto:ckincaid@aha.org?subject=RE: AHA Statement on House Reconciliation Legislation">ckincaid@aha.org</a><br>Colin Milligan, <a href="mailto:cmilligan@aha.org?subject=RE: AHA Statement on House Reconciliation Legislation">cmilligan@aha.org</a></p></div></div><p><strong>Rick Pollack</strong><br><strong>President and CEO</strong><br><strong>黑料正能量 Association</strong></p><p>May 21, 2025</p><p>On behalf of our nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, our clinician partners 鈥� including more than 270,000 affiliated physicians, 2 million nurses and other caregivers 鈥� and the 43,000 health care leaders who belong to our professional membership groups, the 黑料正能量 Association (AHA) is sharing our concerns about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that is being considered on the House floor this week.</p><p>Our hospitals and health systems have significant concerns regarding the harmful Medicaid and Health Insurance Marketplace provisions currently included in the bill. The sheer magnitude of the level of reductions to the Medicaid program alone will impact all patients, not just Medicaid beneficiaries, in every community across the nation. Hospitals 鈥� especially in rural and underserved areas 鈥� will be forced to make difficult decisions about whether they will have to reduce services, reduce staff and potentially consider closing their doors. Other impacts could include longer waiting times to receive care, more crowded emergency departments, and hospitals not being able to invest in technology and innovations for clinical care.</p><p>In particular, the Medicaid legislative proposals severely restrict the use of legitimate state funding resources and supplemental payment programs, including provider taxes and state directed payments, under the guise of eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. We reject this notion as these critical, legitimate and well-established Medicaid financing programs are essential to offset decades of chronic underpayments of the cost of care provided to Medicaid patients. These new policies are estimated to decimate federal support for the Medicaid program by more than $700 billion over 10 years and will displace health care coverage for millions of Americans, moving them from insured to uninsured status.</p><p>In addition to jeopardizing access to patient care and services, these abrupt policy changes would upend state government budgets and threaten the viability of the health care system to provide essential services to this population. Since these changes are effective immediately upon enactment of the legislation, states will have little or no time to prepare for the significant financial impact on state budgets.</p><p>Given the substantial reduction in Medicaid payments and cuts to the Health Insurance Marketplaces, including allowing the enhanced premium tax credits to expire, millions will lose health care coverage. Therefore, the AHA urges the House to reject efforts to dismantle these vital programs in the OBBBA and preserve health care access for our nation鈥檚 vulnerable and working families.</p><p>###</p> Wed, 21 May 2025 21:21:48 -0500 Press Releases /press-releases/2025-05-12-aha-statement-house-energy-and-commerce-medicaid-proposal <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Rick Pollack</strong><br><strong>President and CEO</strong><br><strong>黑料正能量 Association</strong></p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>May 12, 2025</strong></p><p>The magnitude of the proposals contained in the Energy and Commerce reconciliation text represents a devastating blow to the health and well-being of our nation鈥檚 most vulnerable citizens and communities. There is no avoiding the real-life consequences they will create for hospitals serving our most vulnerable and hard-working families. </p><p>These proposed cuts will not make the Medicaid program work better for the 72 million Americans who rely on it. Instead, it will lead to millions of hardworking Americans losing access to health care and many of our nation鈥檚 hospitals struggling to maintain services and stay open for their communities. We urge Congress to reject efforts to dismantle this vital program.</p><p class="text-align-center">###</p><p><strong>About the AHA</strong></p><p>The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.7kr010ACWZRfM3MOuCoTb4j1A7dsWuFv5c9nef7CCBE-3D0MS9_d2RbcZIH1cPr8T71lfy9-2Baax-2F-2BEajmJ1xBQdwzrxSfXYrczhBuOKN0y9-2Fz7LWn8-2BDbxbRMmISA8VWYgeVYMYLehFbJjjJrsDU061vryWib5OgupGu7XbukALgR8dzkZgAerndJsPeGXqyTrI-2FcEwMKNevSigEQ8Jz2owcxsV-2FqFwrAAqGoSdhL2JMlC6trqiOfu-2Bn9zNmJYlQgWXk5BmQPlh7So3re-2BlUqAbZO4l9B-2BBjwEGbugJlBrXlbXIr8aC5C3-2Bnaa1c714-2BPfplYRv0jHTgTXDJPjhkpJRDfgap7u0j1k8tTVl0W-2BgFftMxg1uvHCMYmO9TGB1Eta77ps9XshXfP-2FnjYXdXr9HBjsYVJOdgAaiYJU-2FhKLEDVEzjPnB&data=05%7C02%7Cbteicher%40aha.org%7C6ab3ed06e5c344cc42d208dd8c9caeb6%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638821326783619685%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vT2HrhknS9KmI%2FxyAWu3eS4Ta0rpN1StBN0HoCT9qAc%3D&reserved=0">www.aha.org</a>.</p> Mon, 12 May 2025 10:01:50 -0500 Press Releases /press-releases/2025-05-06-aha-applauds-introduction-save-healthcare-workers-act <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Rick Pollack</strong><br><strong>President and CEO</strong><br><strong>黑料正能量 Association</strong></p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>May 6, 2025</strong></p><p>Every day, health care workers bravely serve our communities, providing lifesaving care often under stressful circumstances. It is unacceptable that these dedicated caregivers regularly face the threat of violence while working to help patients heal.</p><p>Ensuring a safe working environment for health care providers must be a national priority. Acts of violence not only jeopardize the physical and psychological health of victims, but they also disrupt patient care and contribute to staff burnout and workforce shortages. Protecting the health care workforce is important for their safety and for the overall quality of care. </p><p>That鈥檚 why we are grateful to Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Angus King and Representatives Madeleine Dean and Mariannette Miller-Meeks for their leadership in introducing the Save Healthcare Workers Act (<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.7kr010ACWZRfM3MOuCoTb6qzom2OYEZAwkIL-2BYz0SUiY7mM8d96aROUATC4E790f-2FyTNmZVPG7LPwmNCtvCkAtExLnMSNWYFMOuhQpPWipc-3D2Eqv_d2RbcZIH1cPr8T71lfy9-2Baax-2F-2BEajmJ1xBQdwzrxSfXYrczhBuOKN0y9-2Fz7LWn8-2BDbxbRMmISA8VWYgeVYMYLehFbJjjJrsDU061vryWib5OgupGu7XbukALgR8dzkZgAerndJsPeGXqyTrI-2FcEwMKNevSigEQ8Jz2owcxsV-2FqFwrAAqGoSdhL2JMlC6trqiOfu-2Bn9zNmJYlQgWXk5BmQAO1D5pgBGiA-2FjPoJrjaKH7WbwJS2S9AJTDDkkO-2FJ69dZysa5Joz4YTmFoZZm4CCT75ipPqxPxa1Ga9tkCjila8YSGvi8vLde4yqo1eqLBkK3vfP-2B-2BgRzckFc312D6kF1tkLPQK0PvmcX-2B07ZBFjEkEZJ7YLh3xJz-2BU2mk9NeW-2BE&data=05%7C02%7Cbteicher%40aha.org%7C6ab3ed06e5c344cc42d208dd8c9caeb6%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638821326783584399%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=GuhSm7bahNkCSEHVb3JboLZDG9eYL98uorLA9mKU8UQ%3D&reserved=0">H.R. 3178</a>/<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.7kr010ACWZRfM3MOuCoTb6qzom2OYEZAwkIL-2BYz0SUiY7mM8d96aROUATC4E790fLO1MNsK9-2FUy7oLYRt32k85VuZMe9qfzPpa0GTQaiuu4-3D1chP_d2RbcZIH1cPr8T71lfy9-2Baax-2F-2BEajmJ1xBQdwzrxSfXYrczhBuOKN0y9-2Fz7LWn8-2BDbxbRMmISA8VWYgeVYMYLehFbJjjJrsDU061vryWib5OgupGu7XbukALgR8dzkZgAerndJsPeGXqyTrI-2FcEwMKNevSigEQ8Jz2owcxsV-2FqFwrAAqGoSdhL2JMlC6trqiOfu-2Bn9zNmJYlQgWXk5BmQEgg84dB-2BQU4qnENg4ulRjGoGlwWVNJsjVIYWhk-2BWbZ7J2lX34oyneu-2Fume-2Fd2T86k4l1TXDz-2FI-2BpDKIoDxaE9eT3-2BStxWj9V-2FG4rpf-2BqJr93J834DcmOtMAGTwb0cOT2uJ1vvWWy9ALGpuAPz2TEqLnkcWn7xclbGWT2OucsJVP&data=05%7C02%7Cbteicher%40aha.org%7C6ab3ed06e5c344cc42d208dd8c9caeb6%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638821326783604541%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RwvydKQqub7eryAOrEW1NaMsyEM0P81vLF3QMaZsqf8%3D&reserved=0">S.1600</a>). This bipartisan legislation would make it a federal crime to assault a hospital staff member on the job. Over the years, hospitals and health systems have implemented numerous protocols to stem workplace violence but they need help. By enacting federal protections Congress can create a powerful deterrent against workplace violence in hospitals and increase penalties for those who harm our caregivers. We urge Congress to support this legislation and stand ready to work with them to ensure it becomes law without delay.</p><p> </p><p class="text-align-center">###</p><p> </p><p><strong>About the AHA</strong></p><p>The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.7kr010ACWZRfM3MOuCoTb4j1A7dsWuFv5c9nef7CCBE-3D0MS9_d2RbcZIH1cPr8T71lfy9-2Baax-2F-2BEajmJ1xBQdwzrxSfXYrczhBuOKN0y9-2Fz7LWn8-2BDbxbRMmISA8VWYgeVYMYLehFbJjjJrsDU061vryWib5OgupGu7XbukALgR8dzkZgAerndJsPeGXqyTrI-2FcEwMKNevSigEQ8Jz2owcxsV-2FqFwrAAqGoSdhL2JMlC6trqiOfu-2Bn9zNmJYlQgWXk5BmQPlh7So3re-2BlUqAbZO4l9B-2BBjwEGbugJlBrXlbXIr8aC5C3-2Bnaa1c714-2BPfplYRv0jHTgTXDJPjhkpJRDfgap7u0j1k8tTVl0W-2BgFftMxg1uvHCMYmO9TGB1Eta77ps9XshXfP-2FnjYXdXr9HBjsYVJOdgAaiYJU-2FhKLEDVEzjPnB&data=05%7C02%7Cbteicher%40aha.org%7C6ab3ed06e5c344cc42d208dd8c9caeb6%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638821326783619685%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vT2HrhknS9KmI%2FxyAWu3eS4Ta0rpN1StBN0HoCT9qAc%3D&reserved=0">www.aha.org</a>.</p> Tue, 06 May 2025 07:51:37 -0500 Press Releases /press-releases/2025-05-05-aha-honors-two-federal-health-care-leaders-2025-federal-health-care-executive-recognition-awards <p><strong>WASHINGTON </strong>(May 5, 2025) 鈥� The 黑料正能量 Association (AHA) today presented two federal hospital leaders with awards recognizing their outstanding service to the health care field. These awards recognize uniformed and non-uniformed federal health care leaders who have distinguished themselves through singularly significant or innovative achievements and leadership that have contributed substantially to the mission of the federal health system. The awardees were honored at the AHA鈥檚 2025 Annual Membership Meeting.</p><p><strong>鈥淥ur federal health systems and health care workers play a pivotal role in the hospital field, continually advancing care to better serve patients across both the federal and private sectors,鈥� </strong>said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack.<strong> 鈥淲e are honored to recognize Patricia Hastings and Trina Morrisette for their exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to their patients and communities.鈥�</strong></p><p><strong>2025 Award for Excellence 鈥� Patricia Hastings, Chief Consultant and Executive Director for Health Outcomes of Military Exposures, Department of Veterans Affairs 鈥� Washington, D.C.</strong><br><br>Since 2017, Patricia Hastings has overseen the Health Outcomes Military Exposures program, which is the VA鈥檚 national hub serving Veterans with military environmental exposures. During the past year, Hastings established two new Centers for Excellence, which include the Women鈥檚 Operational Military Exposure Network as well as the Complex Exposure Threats. In addition, Hastings led the team that redesigned the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, a research and operational database that helps the VA better understand, research and treat the health challenges faced by Veterans exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits during their service.</p><p>Prior to joining the VA, Hastings retired from the Army after 33 years of service at the rank of Colonel. She was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal for contributions to military medicine in the areas of trauma, combat medic training, medical ethics and global health policy issues. </p><p><strong>2025 Special Achievement Award 鈥� Trina Morrisette, Chief of Information Management, Defense Health Agency, Hearing Center for Excellence, Falls Church, Virginia</strong></p><p>As the Chief of Information Management at the Hearing Center of Excellence (HCE), Trina Morrisette鈥檚 leadership and commitment to Service members and Veterans has resulted in technological and process improvements in the Department of Defense (DoD) and VA audiology health care systems. These improvements include efficiency in better capturing clinical outcomes, data critical for research and development and better continuity of care for hearing injured service members as they transition to VA health care.</p><p>Morrisette has helped increase the public鈥檚 understanding of the technological requirements and advances in the DoD and VA audiology communities. During her time at HCE, Morrisette has helped the organization overcome significant barriers, including funding constraints, risk management challenges and working with two government agencies. </p><p> </p><p class="text-align-center">###</p><p><br><strong>About the 黑料正能量 Association (AHA)</strong><br>The 黑料正能量 Association (AHA) is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA advocates on behalf of our nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, our clinician partners 鈥� including more than 270,000 affiliated physicians, 2 million nurses and other caregivers 鈥� and the 43,000 health care leaders who belong to our professional membership groups. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides insight and education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3DOYJSCMTyBhNCCTfI0zdwszOYn3sJE-2FXqs5pFQbQToVu1czeS7DyxR-2FigHWVFiRY4Oo6oAgJXLD947TA-2BGEZyx1U-2BxMxhwGCmeu3hpBv62ixi4Gaoj3ungeoEa3-2FYAHGK3BHm7IClPMOpqGGuehZcHKd2iz31UD7RKmKyCEcMXRTnoh8yBlJu8acmYAALrp6EOP-2Ft3cnmMdvK5nqZdJSXLePqsym9B6l3-2FhTMq7-2Bb8JosjEZoUHARSNRXcRhjtYuUW8b3Ruh3OnqTtP1rycsXtU4hb5fYexe1wss235Q3FCy9uHmriYCFIBuZf8PnpO5pyRJ-2FfmPIBok22615K4oIqgUtbmSmoQxAPJDlI7OGQnCH5suHHwqHxLuBPxjhw3x0S-2BOlVbfr1tyv5q4WDmwhJfnRB1I2CVYvbzsfDnVWzRIoFI5EC2XZl5-2BaBihF3e-2FZvUWbpesKDlmo2VQLhaEk7M6hRO-2FHBlIG-2BTjT7VkJw709CcEkALVTPDz8y0UzEZs0GoIuPdJHeZARIbFOa9gR6fjMkrPAI6LO9FTom-2BexnSp9GQ4l5mmgXaZ7CsIwtMrheRImxdy5MBp05eji1HpT-2FNeN3hN6rYbIdat8ariKfBzqMjtOAgMDnZCRiHvatebOaiSETOoI2jYpwKKhpJNfNHrF0zx672dz7CsT5YmZ5HXzolBt0R012j2tkbYqtPNOY8oBz1wGPjBnTq9EPST8F-2BW8-2FYikePbYBMDgUMo0nlUeQBC8AZre7rJcTTITJnjl-2BNiFadG9NwKiA-2FxQgjk7VqHqHGjMpXr5hphWufxQss37NhkSCN3PHCfPGELMAyVsuWEKFwhoII57va6Oc-2FP5fsy4s0pxWYIqbY7TFBxC4wv2vIQPbuK-2Ffgk92daVI0JbCyEOx-2BFh5dH28vCEzpcdfxN7krdKp1FgVQ77i4Sezf0l7WnGrdsLMGXrQAqt9yGU-2BRKCi2ifh3BBnB5JbeuGETPkYqxtKSPZi-2BtIy8eF9puF4krxKbkq8cKiKnElAahdVAnleE-2FzQ7bHPiUMu3JZ72gbqCPI5qXrELa9W2-2Fu-2FiJArYirVKXaV8uTZytnN7QZGhEDdUUzOBh5hjtGiUnGFG-2FbedfAFF738UgbctI6-2F6LwvaxUTT-2F3f5-2BYAtNOA3gFIkr0YZI-2Bkp0pooE3R22sTgBSNmdXiivkpApx6Ei-2BDX8-3D3DAA_kFmn947cPXeH4Nw5FKo9qWRARJUhwQXnY03SXbOJmd4fh-2FMf2fOpasllheBrYb-2F8tnjtjNDujBrG4uugreK5OWkDI227pG8YPlYGd-2Boz0WRezRdoSQJc-2FP-2FpAltWiLE9pScP81GIyVR1BztpaUmvq4E4zMoLikDKB7qk7SlL1-2FSGTuq0Bu0R3sCFv0AlEvmdDd75oyZbY7RlObuKy8esCENzQALhVZozv7LMFYFbh6FoAftC2xff7B2RF1o4DyYa8Yk0qnye3e4M7f-2FLTDmb41Sre88XiBBVGOfI8xGJkG97-2FD0XhYt4wg6fI0ygMcU4RnkuCvJp-2FGmWHgxvA8ix-2B09NZaMuyjMcnGo-2FFsPDtVZB0niWZpguf-2FSbdPRwWfez&data=05%7C01%7Ccmilligan%40aha.org%7Ce2604527eb3f4875ea0a08da552477fc%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C637915912395382238%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jDbJ5gw8UdYtaVoma4Dn5DzDDHMI494FNLdQQh" target="_blank" title="(opens in a new window)">www.aha.org</a>.</p> Mon, 05 May 2025 09:25:35 -0500 Press Releases /press-releases/2025-05-01-phyllis-cowling-receive-2025-aha-board-trustees-award <p><strong>WASHINGTON </strong>(May 1, 2025) 鈥� The 黑料正能量 Association (AHA) today announced that Phyllis Cowling, former president and CEO of United Regional Health Care System in Wichita Falls, Texas, will be awarded its 2025 Board of Trustees Award. The Board of Trustees Award is presented to individuals or groups who have made substantial and noteworthy contributions to the work of the AHA on behalf of the hospital field. Cowling will receive the award during a May 5 ceremony at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.</p><p>As president and CEO of United Regional Health Care System for over two decades, Cowling led transformation of the organization, improving staff engagement and patient care while also expanding services and facilities within its service area of nine counties in north central Texas. Cowling retired from her role earlier this year. Prior to leading United Regional, Cowling served as chief financial officer for multiple hospitals and health systems over 18 years. She also served as the 2002-2003 national chair of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.</p><p><strong>鈥淧hyllis has had an incredible career as a leading voice in health care, making a significant difference for the patients and communities she has served,鈥� </strong>said Rick Pollack, AHA President and CEO.<strong> 鈥淭he AHA and the hospital field have benefited tremendously from her humble approach and sharp operational skills. Moreover, she is an accomplished leader and strategic thinker whose contributions to advancing excellence have benefited not just her organization but the entire health care field.鈥�</strong></p><p>Cowling has been involved with the AHA in various roles, including as chair of Regional Policy Board 7, chair of the Operations Committee, the Executive Committee and other committees and task forces. In addition, Cowling led the AHA membership in the courts as United Regional filed as plaintiff in AHA鈥檚 successful litigation against HHS鈥檚 Office of Civil Rights鈥� online tracking rules. Cowling also served as chair of the Board of Trustees for the Texas Hospital Association in 2018.</p><p class="text-align-center">###</p> Thu, 01 May 2025 11:46:09 -0500 Press Releases /press-releases/2025-05-01-ron-werft-receive-2025-aha-board-trustees-award <p><strong>WASHINGTON </strong>(May 1, 2025) 鈥� The 黑料正能量 Association (AHA) today announced that Ron Werft, former president and CEO and now president emeritus of Cottage Health in Santa Barbara, Calif., will be awarded its 2025 Board of Trustees Award. The Board of Trustees Award is presented to individuals or groups who have made substantial and noteworthy contributions to the work of the AHA on behalf of the hospital field. Werft will receive the award during a May 5 ceremony at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C. </p><p>Werft spent 38 years at Cottage Health, including 25 years as president and CEO. Under his leadership, Cottage Health became an innovative regional health system and increased access to care across the Santa Barbara area. Some of these improvements include a new Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and a new Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital. Also, the Cottage Center for Population Health, Cottage Health Research Institute, and Compton Center for Medical Excellence and Innovation were created, and new partnerships with area colleges were established to support nursing and other health professionals and workforce homes were constructed 鈥� all to improve health, serve community members and help ensure access to care. Werft retired from his role earlier this year.</p><p><strong>鈥淭hroughout his impressive career, Ron has been a quiet and effective leader, building Cottage Health into an innovative regional health system dedicated to improving access to care in the communities it serves,鈥� </strong>said Rick Pollack, AHA president and CEO.<strong> 鈥淗is commitment and passion for strengthening and growing the health care workforce as Chair of AHA鈥檚 Task Force on Workforce will leave a lasting impact for future generations.鈥�</strong></p><p>Werft has been involved with the AHA for several decades in various roles, including as the chair of Regional Policy Board 9, chair of the Task Force on Workforce as well as numerous other task forces and committees across the Association. Werft is a past chair of the California Hospital Association and Hospital Association of Southern California.</p><p class="text-align-center">###</p><p><strong>About the AHA</strong></p><p>The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at <a href="/">www.aha.org</a>.</p> Thu, 01 May 2025 08:52:48 -0500 Press Releases /press-releases/2025-04-30-jim-leonard-receive-aha-justin-ford-kimball-innovators-award <p><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> (April 30, 2025) 鈥� The 黑料正能量 Association (AHA) today announced that the 2025 Justin Ford Kimball Innovators Award will be awarded to Jim Leonard, MD, president and CEO of Carle Health in Urbana, Ill. The award recognizes Leonard for his innovative approach to health care delivery that improves access and coordination of care. Leonard will receive the award during a ceremony on May 5 at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.</p><p>During his 25 years as president and CEO of Carle Health, Leonard has grown Carle into an integrated health care system that includes eight award-winning hospitals, numerous outpatient clinics and other sites of care, a multispecialty physician group, a research institute and the first engineering-based medical school 鈥� the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. He also led the advancement of diagnostic and treatment options with the opening of the Mills Breast Cancer Institute and the Digestive Health Institute at Carle Foundation Hospital, and the establishment of the Carle Illinois Advanced Imaging Center with its 7 Tesla MRI scanner for both clinical and research use.  </p><p><strong>鈥淜nown as a grounded and visionary leader with a deep commitment to innovation, community service and patient-centered care, Jim brings his background as a family physician to his leadership at Carle Health,鈥� </strong>said Rick Pollack, AHA president and CEO.<strong> 鈥淯nder Jim鈥檚 leadership, Carle created the world鈥檚 first engineering-based medical school, weaving innovation and entrepreneurship into its medical training curriculum and helping graduates build the unique skillsets needed to address the health care challenges of the future.鈥�  </strong></p><p>In addition to his service on the AHA Board and as chair of an AHA Regional Policy Board, Leonard has been an instrumental member of AHA鈥檚 Committee on Health Care Strategy & Innovation. He also served on the AHA鈥檚 Committee on Nominations, Strategic Leadership Group on Provider-Led Health Plans, Advisory Group on Hospitals Against Violence, chaired the Dick Davidson Quality Milestone Award Committee and served on multiple other AHA task forces, advisory groups and committees. </p><p class="text-align-center">###</p><p><strong>About the AHA</strong></p><p>The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at<a href="/">www.aha.org</a>.</p><p class="text-align-center"> </p> Wed, 30 Apr 2025 09:53:40 -0500 Press Releases /press-releases/2025-04-30-new-aha-report-hospitals-and-health-systems-squeezed-persistent-economic-challenges <p><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> (April 30, 2025) 鈥� The 黑料正能量 Association (AHA) today released a <a href="/costsofcaring">new report</a> showing that hospitals and health systems continue to experience significant financial headwinds that can challenge their ability to provide always-there, essential care to their patients and communities. The report outlines the significant financial burden of the heightened expenses that hospitals have faced in recent years in caring for patients, as well as the increasing strain on the field.</p><p>Key findings from the <a href="/costsofcaring">report</a> include:</p><ul><li>Having the right care team available for patients has long been the single largest category of hospital spending, accounting for 56% of total costs in 2024. Amid ongoing workforce shortages, hospitals have raised wages to recruit and retain staff, adding financial pressure even as these investments are essential to maintaining care.</li><li>Medicare and Medicaid continue to underpay hospitals for patient care. Hospitals absorbed $130 billion in underpayments from Medicare and Medicaid in 2023 alone, and these shortfalls are worsening 鈥� growing on average 14% annually between 2019 and 2023.</li><li>Medicare reimbursed just 83 cents for every dollar hospitals spent caring for patients in 2023. From 2022 to 2024, general inflation rose by 14.1%, while Medicare inpatient payment rates increased by only 5.1% 鈥� amounting to an effective payment cut over the past three years.</li><li>The practices of certain Medicare Advantage (MA) plans 鈥� including increased delays, denials and underpayments 鈥� are exacerbating the financial burden faced by hospitals. This has happened while hospital reimbursement from MA plans fell by 8.8% on a cost basis between 2019 and 2024.</li><li>Tariffs on medical imports could significantly raise costs for hospitals as nearly 70% of medical devices marketed in the U.S. are manufactured exclusively overseas. A recent survey found that 82% of health care experts expect tariff-related expenses to raise hospital expenses by at least 15% over the next six months, and 94% of health care administrators expect to delay equipment upgrades to manage financial strain.</li></ul><p>At the same time, Congress is considering proposals that would cut Medicaid, Medicare and other programs that support the 24/7 care and services that hospitals provide to patients in every community across America.</p><p>鈥淭his report should serve as an alarm bell that a perfect storm of rising costs, inadequate reimbursement, and certain corporate insurer practices are jeopardizing the ability of hospitals to deliver high-quality, timely care to their communities,鈥� <strong>said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack.</strong> 鈥淲ith so much at stake, policymakers must recommit to making preserving access to hospital care a national priority.鈥�</p><p><a href="/costsofcaring">View the full report.</a> See the <a href="/advocacy-agenda">AHA鈥檚 advocacy agenda</a> for more information on the AHA's efforts to support hospitals and health systems.</p><p>###</p><h2>About the 黑料正能量 Association (AHA)</h2><p>The 黑料正能量 Association (AHA) is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA advocates on behalf of our nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, our clinician partners 鈥� including more than 270,000 affiliated physicians, 2 million nurses and other caregivers 鈥� and the 43,000 health care leaders who belong to our professional membership groups. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides insight and education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at <a href="/">www.aha.org</a>.</p> Wed, 30 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Press Releases /press-releases/2025-04-29-mary-beth-kingston-receive-aha-award-honor <p><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> (April 29, 2025) 鈥� The 黑料正能量 Association (AHA) today announced that its 2025 Award of Honor will be presented to Mary Beth Kingston, PhD, RN, FAAN for her dedication to advancing the nursing profession and improving patient care. The award is given to individuals or organizations in recognition of exemplary contributions to the health and well-being of our nation through leadership on major health policy or social initiatives. Kingston will receive the award during a ceremony on May 5 at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.</p><p>During Kingston鈥檚 45-year career, which includes service as the chief nursing officer of multiple health systems, she continually has fostered the professional growth of the nurses serving under her leadership, many of whom have become chief nursing executives. She has been a strong and outspoken advocate for nurse safety, leading efforts to reduce violence against the health care workforce through the AHA and the federal government and publishing extensively on workplace violence reduction and workforce wellbeing. </p><p><strong>鈥淢ary Beth is an inspirational nursing leader whose cutting-edge efforts on nurse safety and workforce wellbeing have made a tremendous difference for patients and caregivers,鈥� </strong>said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack.<strong> 鈥淲e thank her for the countless hours serving her communities, including her contributions to the AHA by serving on the board, committees and as chair of the AHA鈥檚 Hospitals Against Violence Advisory Group as well as past president of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.鈥�</strong></p><p>Kingston serves on the boards of Providence Saint Joseph鈥檚 Health and Main Line Health and is board chair of Chamberlain University. In 2024, she received the <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.7kr010ACWZRfM3MOuCoTb98fFqUCFwdqQcXQFXsONWz3hfoZhFg6Brf8ZsCN3KaQCnL6gnbEiPuLCnmp1L5beWgN74W4XxuDDACVHHrnebzfNk6W-2FzP5hFA-2FlsHSVCe-2FlrwJX5CBwzx-2FFt-2Bd1-2FALQE4xxbQVtu65bdYqRX7qhZI-3DbFQv_d2RbcZIH1cPr8T71lfy9-2Baax-2F-2BEajmJ1xBQdwzrxSfXYrczhBuOKN0y9-2Fz7LWn8-2BDbxbRMmISA8VWYgeVYMYLehFbJjjJrsDU061vryWib5OgupGu7XbukALgR8dzkZg2Dg9g351m0vxxGiu8sGH-2FkRhtTs7FMGhnIphAQ2V0ggdxRZqByV3qd-2FWW8XcNkvZCoysmb3CXqB9z8pe-2FfPQeTUcBBRwbGLUAH8RMyKIiGibQXO-2BGAsIk9KzpUWIQlni9Fz-2BzmXRkBiewQDRex7LPP2IE6LhH-2FaG-2BRay1ioNwhZGRnViGU9ql00PT4Tn7qHUNzbuDCCRek-2FDpeDyJFsgIbb-2B-2B00cSrADiT-2FSwazq54-2FhZ1TTIBB8ifj2VBL8hksl&data=05%7C02%7Cbteicher%40aha.org%7Cb465832ff339414aa9d208dd872c6d31%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638815347071289211%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2qybybu08vPgvaUkhO%2BlsUQIOWGM%2Fg%2BeGRbrNaW3Sew%3D&reserved=0">AONL Lifetime Achievement Award</a> and the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. She became a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2020. </p><p> </p><p class="text-align-center">###</p><p><strong>About the AHA</strong></p><p>The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.7kr010ACWZRfM3MOuCoTb4j1A7dsWuFv5c9nef7CCBE-3DnvOh_d2RbcZIH1cPr8T71lfy9-2Baax-2F-2BEajmJ1xBQdwzrxSfXYrczhBuOKN0y9-2Fz7LWn8-2BDbxbRMmISA8VWYgeVYMYLehFbJjjJrsDU061vryWib5OgupGu7XbukALgR8dzkZg2Dg9g351m0vxxGiu8sGH-2FkRhtTs7FMGhnIphAQ2V0ggdxRZqByV3qd-2FWW8XcNkvZCoysmb3CXqB9z8pe-2FfPQeV2OeSNhdVU3D6l9H6c4J9GEpgsCR6QS-2F-2FXqSGZ8jyilM7ZeWQQsi2cBrS52gPy8-2F8WO-2FZLhOCvQa3PF-2B9eGk2IZarVaQQgXpX67HvpjDcfmFwl0MLlKIbthCxZUl4GWk6khcG2Ni8JUOIpCY6f8nOlGurgZPGWQQesBuGmDf8mF&data=05%7C02%7Cbteicher%40aha.org%7Cb465832ff339414aa9d208dd872c6d31%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638815347071311896%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qPhXIyHop9ltKml1v8RES7VkUj1qvsLlXB2cfVFqo6U%3D&reserved=0">www.aha.org</a>.</p><p class="text-align-center"> </p> Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:46:37 -0500 Press Releases /press-releases/2025-04-28-rod-hochman-md-receive-aha-distinguished-service-award <p><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> (April 28, 2025) 鈥� The 黑料正能量 Association (AHA) will present its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to Rod Hochman, M.D., the former president and CEO of Providence Health & Services based in Renton, Washington. Hochman will receive the 2025 award during a ceremony on May 5 at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.</p><p>Hochman retired at the end of 2024 as president and CEO of Providence Health & Services after 45 years in health care, including 17 with the Providence family of organizations. At Providence, he worked hard to expand access to care, especially to those most in need, create innovations in care delivery and patient experience and increase quality of care. Hochman also diligently invested in mental health and well-being for staff and community members alike. Today, Providence is a family of 120,000 health care professionals, serving in 51 hospitals, more than 1,000 clinics and hundreds of programs and services across seven states.</p><p><strong>鈥淎 servant leader who always puts patients and caregivers first, Rod has dedicated his life and career to improving access to care for the most vulnerable, and making health care better for all,鈥� </strong>said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack.<strong> 鈥淚n addition to helping lead our field as AHA Chair through the early days of the COVID pandemic, Rod has a unique ability to look into the future and stay ahead of the curve. To state it simply, Rod鈥檚 work has improved the lives of millions of Americans and has set a new standard for the hospital field.鈥�</strong></p><p>As AHA Board Chair in 2021, Hochman led the field through the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic. His training as an immunologist proved invaluable as he served as the voice of hospitals and health systems nationwide. A visionary known for outside-the-box thinking, he fostered collaboration among hospitals and health systems in search of new innovations to enhance care and the patient experience. Actively engaged with the AHA since 2008, Hochman chaired the Executive Committee, the Committee on Nominations, the Center for Health Innovation Leadership Council and Regional Policy Board 9. He has also served on the Healthcare Advisory Council, the Health Systems Committee, the Coalition to Strengthen America鈥檚 Healthcare Board and numerous other committees and task forces.  </p><p>An immunologist and rheumatologist, Hochman received his bachelor鈥檚 and medical degrees from Boston University and served as a clinical fellow in internal medicine at Harvard Medical School and Dartmouth Medical School. </p><p class="text-align-center">###</p><p><strong>About the AHA</strong></p><p>The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.7kr010ACWZRfM3MOuCoTb4j1A7dsWuFv5c9nef7CCBE-3DVJbR_d2RbcZIH1cPr8T71lfy9-2Baax-2F-2BEajmJ1xBQdwzrxSfXYrczhBuOKN0y9-2Fz7LWn8-2BDbxbRMmISA8VWYgeVYMYLehFbJjjJrsDU061vryWib5OgupGu7XbukALgR8dzkZgg-2BWuAuFlVbGHATLC50XBWUeOPJCWL0IiBS-2FSoDCgKOIzco-2BZVXcT-2BGsvnWQYSQ5JeDua-2BrFUlpPdmsF-2FnAH2osJ79CY4CUtE689bjbpHRaecnHP0OZmKp-2B1w6nUtGXUUzMo-2Bc2khto4ZRcMjTEKoq-2B0s7KbXDmAr8qGAmRD-2BjRihcVW45weuvC4CDmFcs4gqbn6xDy5TxJsOq1I7r0M9Hz9X49NZ5EUF0sa7aQRaeP6mx3TqVf7TqTSFtQbgSo-2F-2F&data=05%7C02%7Cbteicher%40aha.org%7C7132fdfb1935434fc25e08dd86684464%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638814504593424289%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qQAb8aymQD74oZEjokURNe8UGLYH30%2FZQ0U9mSzaYzs%3D&reserved=0">www.aha.org</a>.</p> Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:54:57 -0500 Press Releases