/ en Tue, 13 May 2025 15:45:58 -0500 Thu, 08 May 25 16:30:15 -0500 /news/headline/2025-05-08-trump-nominates-casey-means-surgeon-general <p>President Trump yesterday <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114468502752133916">announced</a> that Casey Means, M.D., has been nominated to be the next U.S. surgeon general.</p> Thu, 08 May 2025 16:30:15 -0500 Leadership /leadership-dialogue <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/leadership-dialogue-freese-decker-riggi-900x400.jpg" data-entity-uuid="40fb79e5-2979-4656-8fc4-eff5ace41045" data-entity-type="file" alt="Leadership Dialogue. A conversation with AHA Chair Tina Freese Decker and John Riggi, AHA National Advisory for Cybersecurity and Risk." width="900" height="400"><p>In this episode, Tina Freese Decker, 2025 chair of the AHA Board of Trustees, talks with John Riggi, AHA’s National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk. Riggi spent nearly 30 years with the FBI before joining the AHA in 2018.</p><p>Freese Decker and Riggi discuss cybersecurity and physical threats, which are significant enterprise risks for health care, regardless of size or location. Every hospital, physician group and medical center is at risk — and this risk puts the people served at risk, which is why organizations must take these threats seriously.</p><p>Riggi shared three major themes the health care field must lean into regarding cyber and physical threats. The first is leadership. Leaders and teams must recognize that cyber and physical threats are an enterprise risk issue and put the necessary resources in place to be proactive and prevent these threats from occurring. Second, third parties pose a major risk. It is important to evaluate third-party risk and put plans in place to minimize the risk as much as possible. Third, prepare, prepare, prepare! Part of preparation is educating leaders and staff and creating partnerships within the organization and in the community to be able to respond and act if and when something happens.</p><hr><p></p><hr><div></div><div class="raw-html-embed"> <details class="transcript"> <summary> <h2 title="Click here to open/close the transcript."> <span>View Transcript</span><br> </h2> </summary> <p> 00:00:01:01 - 00:00:26:02<br> Tom Haederle<br> Welcome to Advancing Health. Cybersecurity is a risk. And because of that, a priority for all hospitals and health systems. In this Leadership Dialogue, Tina Freese Decker, chair of the ���������� Association, and John Riggi, AHA’s national advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk, discuss planning for cyber attacks, putting protections in place, navigating cyber threats, and rebuilding trust and confidence in the system </p> <p> 00:00:26:04 - 00:00:31:01<br> Tom Haederle<br> when cyber attacks do occur. </p> <p> 00:00:31:04 - 00:01:00:23<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> Hello, and thank you so much for joining us today. I'm Tina Freese Decker, president CEO of Corewell Health and the board chair for the ���������� Association. From data breaches to ransomware attacks to outages, cybersecurity affects patient safety and enterprise risk and is increasingly a strategic priority for hospitals and health systems. Planning for cyber attacks and putting the proper protections in place is key to ensuring sustainability, patient privacy and clinical outcomes. </p> <p> 00:01:00:26 - 00:01:34:22<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> So I am so pleased to have the ���������� Association's John Riggi joining me for today's conversation. John is an expert in this field, and he serves as the AHA's first national advisor for cybersecurity and risk. He joined AHA in 2018 after a long, distinguished 30-year career with the FBI. He brings with him tremendous experience in the investigation and disruption of cyber threats, as well as the unique ability to provide informed risk advisory services to hospitals and health systems. </p> <p> 00:01:34:24 - 00:01:41:26<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> So before we jump into the conversation, John, can you just tell me a bit about yourself so that our audience can get to know you a little bit better? </p> <p> 00:01:41:29 - 00:02:08:13<br> John Riggi<br> Thank you, Tina, so much for inviting me here today to discuss these topics, which unfortunately, as you said, top of mind for everyone. So when I ended my 30-year career at the FBI, I still wanted to be in a position to serve. I spent a lifetime doing that, and in my last role at the FBI, my job was to establish mission critical relationships with private sector, with critical infrastructure in the health care sector in particular. </p> <p> 00:02:08:15 - 00:02:29:22<br> John Riggi<br> That's when I had the privilege and honor to be introduced to AHA and Rick Pollack in talking about cyber threats. And that's when I really learned how critical a role that the ���������� Association served for the entire health care sector. I could send over, you know, an immediate urgent alert to the and with a single press of a button </p> <p> 00:02:29:29 - 00:02:56:16<br> John Riggi<br> 5000 plus hospitals received that alert. 50,000 executives received it. So I understood at that point we needed to engage in that continuing relationship. And when I retired, fortunately for me, Rick Pollack in the team said, John, you know, we've been listening to you and we think cyber will be an emerging threat, going forward. Unfortunately, none of us realized how significant a threat it would be. </p> <p> 00:02:56:19 - 00:03:00:12<br> John Riggi<br> And so, again, my privilege and honor to be here with you today. </p> <p> 00:03:00:14 - 00:03:22:21<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> Well, we are privileged and blessed that you are part of the ���������� Association team, and you're helping us navigate so many of these issues that come forward. Let's start with kind of one of the underlying questions that I have. We've seen all these cyber and physical threats that have targeted hospitals and health systems. How have they evolved over the last, let's say, 7 to 8 years? </p> <p> 00:03:22:24 - 00:03:58:21<br> John Riggi<br> Yeah, unfortunately they've increased pretty dramatically. So not only are they increased in frequency, but also in complexity and severity of impact. So on the cyber front, we have seen a, for instance, in hacking of patient health information. In 2020, it was about 450 hacks impacting 27 million individuals, not inconsequential. Last year, last year with the Change Healthcare attack, we had 259 million Americans had their health care records stolen or compromised by foreign bad guys, by foreign bad guys. </p> <p> 00:03:58:27 - 00:04:24:17<br> John Riggi<br> If we add up the numbers, just since 2020, over 500 million Americans have had their health care records compromised or stolen. So, John, wait a minute. There's only 330 million Americans. That's the population. Meaning that every American in this country has had their health care records compromised more than once. But what really concerns us are the dramatic increase in ransomware attacks, which are often accompanied by data theft attacks. </p> <p> 00:04:24:19 - 00:04:51:12<br> John Riggi<br> So these bad guys, primarily Russian speaking, believed to be provided safe harbor by the Russian government primarily but not exclusively Russian, have increased these attacks so that the impact really is not only disablement of technology, internal networks get shut down, data gets encrypted, organizations are forced to disconnect from the internet has a very, very dramatic impact on care delivery. </p> <p> 00:04:51:15 - 00:05:18:21<br> John Riggi<br> So this resulting disruption, delay to care delivery and ultimately posing a serious risk to patient care and safety, not only for the patients in the hospital, but for the entire communities that depend on the availability of their nearest emergency department for life saving care, radiation oncology, so forth. So we've seen that evolve again very significantly, and one of the reasons I think it's evolved so dramatically. </p> <p> 00:05:18:23 - 00:05:30:21<br> John Riggi<br> Geopolitics is part of that. But I think on a very base level, we as a sector depend more and more on network and internet connected technology and data. </p> <p> 00:05:30:24 - 00:05:56:13<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> Very true. You know, I did a podcast earlier this year about trust and rebuilding confidence and trust and having that public trust in health care systems and hospitals. And when you have a cyber attack or an act of violence that targets hospitals, health systems, it impacts patients, like you said, it impacts staff and our communities. How can we go about building that trust and regaining that confidence when we have these instances occur? </p> <p> 00:05:56:15 - 00:06:06:23<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> And do you have some examples of stories or insights organizations have used that have helped them navigate those cyber threats and build that public trust? </p> <p> 00:06:06:26 - 00:06:32:07<br> John Riggi<br> Great question, Tina. And also on the on the violence side, unfortunately, as I wanted to mention as well, that's increased pretty dramatically to set the stage there. I was shocked, as a former law enforcement officer, to find out nurses are the second most assaulted profession outside of law enforcement. And, you know, we expect it as law enforcement officers to be engaged, confrontational engagements. </p> <p> 00:06:32:07 - 00:06:37:09<br> John Riggi<br> You're making arrests, but nurses who just want to deliver care to help people? Shocking. </p> <p> 00:06:37:09 - 00:06:38:19<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> It's sad and unacceptable. </p> <p> 00:06:38:23 - 00:06:58:27<br> John Riggi<br> Agree, totally. So I think how do we how do we get that trust in the community? I think one - and I think we've done a fantastic job with your leadership and the AHA - acknowledge the risk, acknowledge the threat. Let's not hide it. Let's not pretend it's not there. But then to take real steps to prepare and help mitigate the impact of these threats. </p> <p> 00:06:59:00 - 00:07:25:01<br> John Riggi<br> So now we see, on the cyber side, hospitals are actively working to develop better downtime procedures, better backup systems to help shorten the length of the impact and help recover more quickly. And work with the federal government. Exchange threat information across the sector with our partners in other sectors. And really understand if we're attacked, this isn't a stigma. </p> <p> 00:07:25:02 - 00:07:51:18<br> John Riggi<br> This isn't something that an organization failed to do. We're all in this together. And on the physical side, we're working very closely with the FBI to help develop resources to help identify and mitigate targeted acts of violence directed toward health care organizations. But most importantly, our frontline health care heroes, our frontline health care workers. And again, working with the community, this is all partnership with the community as well. </p> <p> 00:07:51:20 - 00:08:08:05<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> So I'm sure you have a top ten list of things that we could do to prevent these attacks. But if you could share the top three things that we should do to prevent these attacks and how we can be resilient. And when I say attacks, I'm talking cyber and physical. We have limited time, we have limited resources. </p> <p> 00:08:08:05 - 00:08:10:19<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> But what is the most important things that we should be doing? </p> <p> 00:08:10:22 - 00:08:36:21<br> John Riggi<br> I think the overarching umbrella that all the others follow under is leadership. And really looking at these risks, acknowledging them and ensuring that both cyber and physical risks are treated as an enterprise risk issue. And then within that, on the cyber side, making sure on the defensive side that you're following well known, well-established, recognized cyber frameworks, making sure you start there. </p> <p> 00:08:36:24 - 00:09:03:08<br> John Riggi<br> Second, really thinking about third party risk. What we have seen is that a majority, the vast majority of cyber risk, cyber attacks we face come to us through insecure third party service providers. Insecure third party technology and insecure supply chain. Doesn't negate us from our responsibility to do what we can, but we have to understand that. And then the third thing is ultimately prepare. </p> <p> 00:09:03:10 - 00:09:24:08<br> John Riggi<br> We must prepare for the attack. There's an often, I would say, overused expression in the cyber security world. It's not a matter of if, but when. It's true. But I would also change that a little bit about it's not a matter of if you will be attacked. The question is are you prepared? So focusing on resiliency and so forth. </p> <p> 00:09:24:10 - 00:09:55:13<br> John Riggi<br> And then with on the physical side, education of staff, leadership priority, and working with the FBI and local law enforcement to potentially identify ahead of an incident acts of targeted violence directed towards the hospital. And then working together as a community help mitigate and prevent that act. The police always want to respond, can respond after the FBI. But I can tell you from personal experience, we'd rather prevent a crime, prevent an act of violence than respond after the fact. </p> <p> 00:09:55:15 - 00:10:19:15<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> Agree. And I think that developing those relationships with local FBI, with local law enforcement is critical because you to your point, it's not if, but when. But we'd like to be able to prevent all of it. Having those relationships is key. So I know that the AHA has been working very closely with the FBI and some health care systems to exchange that threat intelligence and enhance collaboration across our sector </p> <p> 00:10:19:15 - 00:10:28:21<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> and with federal agencies. Can you share more about that partnership and how it has helped us in identifying and mitigating both physical and cyber threats? </p> <p> 00:10:28:24 - 00:10:51:26<br> John Riggi<br> Great question again, Tina, and thank you for highlighting what we're doing with the FBI. So on the cyber front, we've been actively engaged in cyber threat, information threat intelligence exchange. Both on a very technical level, exchanging what - without getting too technical - threat indicators, malware signatures and so forth, but also identifying big strategic threats that we may face as a sector. </p> <p> 00:10:51:28 - 00:11:19:23<br> John Riggi<br> So, for instance, working with the FBI, we helped identify last year a threat to the blood supply before it was on the government's radar. We helped the government understand that cyber attacks on hospitals are not just data theft crimes. These are truly threat to life crimes. So the federal government actually previously raised the investigative priority level of ransomware attacks on hospitals to equal that of a terrorist attack once they understood what the impact was. </p> <p> 00:11:19:24 - 00:12:00:17<br> John Riggi<br> We are working very closely with the famed Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI, the profilers that many books and TV shows and movies have been written about to develop resources to help hospitals identify targeted acts of violence, threats that are pending against hospitals, and again, help intercede, intervene and help prevent those attacks. We have a whole series of resources available on the first ever joint FBI and Joint Health Care Sector webpage. We're about to issue a manual coming out here within the next month or so, based upon, joint work with the FBI in the field on best practices and lessons learned to prevent these acts of violence. </p> <p> 00:12:00:17 - 00:12:06:08<br> John Riggi<br> So we have a robust, almost daily interaction with the FBI and other federal agencies. </p> <p> 00:12:06:10 - 00:12:25:15<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> It's so helpful to know that we have those robust partnerships at the national level, and then we can create it at the local level, and to make sure that we're all in this together to, help protect our patients and the people that we care for in our community. So that's wonderful. My last question for you is just one about how we look forward. </p> <p> 00:12:25:17 - 00:12:38:26<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> Can you tell us what you think about is going to happen in the threat environment for 2025 and maybe into 2026? What are those things we should be watching, looking out for? And is there anything positive that you can see? </p> <p> 00:12:38:29 - 00:13:11:18<br> John Riggi<br> I will let you know there is some hope. Talk about the realistic environment. Then we'll talk about where I see the hope. So first of all, I do believe that the frequency of the attacks may decrease, but I think the bad guys are looking to make a greater impact. We have seen them go after systemically important organizations that serves health care. Change Healthcare, for example. Last year, attacks against the blood supply. The year before they attacked - found vulnerabilities in a commonly used technology and software known as Move It. </p> <p> 00:13:11:21 - 00:13:41:03<br> John Riggi<br> By attacking that software, it gave the bad guys, a Russian ransomware group, were able to gain access to millions and millions of patient records. I do believe geopolitics will have a very significant influence, for better or worse, on the level of cyber threat we face. Depending on how we deal in the outcomes of our negotiations, of our diplomatic efforts with Russia, China, North Korea and Iran has the potential to mitigate or increase the cyber threats that we face. </p> <p> 00:13:41:05 - 00:14:08:19<br> John Riggi<br> And ultimately, again, third party risk, major, major issue. Where do I see the signs of hope? And there are signs of hope, folks. Honestly, I have never seen the sector come together to share threat information to prepare for attacks, best practices, lessons learned not only amongst the sector. We see channels of threat information sharing and best practice across with other critical and sectors, with the federal government. </p> <p> 00:14:08:21 - 00:14:45:26<br> John Riggi<br> We've had victim organizations, CEOs come out publicly. Dr. Leffler from University of Vermont, Chris Van Gorder from Scripps. We've had Eduardo Conrado from the recent attack against Ascension not only come out publicly, but testify before the UN Security Council last November about the impact of this Russian ransomware attack against Ascension. So what I see is hope. The fact we are banding together and with the government and I hope, as we did in the great fight against terror, international terrorism, we will come together in a whole of nation approach to help mitigate that risk. </p> <p> 00:14:46:01 - 00:15:09:17<br> John Riggi<br> Now, Tina, I know I've done a lot of speaking here, and if I may, and with all due respect, I'd like to ask you a question if I could. Tina, in your role, you have very unique dual role. You're CEO of a large health system, and you're also the chair of the ���������� Association board. So how do you think about cyber and physical threats for your own organization </p> <p> 00:15:09:19 - 00:15:11:20<br> John Riggi<br> but on a national level? </p> <p> 00:15:11:22 - 00:15:33:26<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> Well, I believe that cyber and physical threats must be prioritized. It's a strategic risk. We have to understand how we focus on it, and we have to significantly prioritize it and emphasize what we're doing there. Previously, maybe 5 or 10 years ago, it was just thought of as a technical issue. It's not that. It's how we operate. Because like you said, we're so connected, </p> <p> 00:15:33:26 - 00:16:01:07<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> it's critical infrastructure and we must make sure that we are coming together. So for us as an organization, we prioritize our efforts, our investments, our work on it, but also prioritize business assurance. So how do we operate and make sure that everyone understands all the key components and the lessons that you shared on this discussion today, but also when we've had conversations before, how are we making sure that we know those and our teams know those? </p> <p> 00:16:01:09 - 00:16:25:19<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> I think the importance of safeguarding sensitive patient data and ensuring the integrity of our systems cannot be overstated. And that applies for my organization, and that applies for all of our members throughout the ���������� Association. And so I think those are some critical points. As we think about this it is making sure that we are safeguarding sensitive patient data and ensuring the integrity of our systems, as we go forward. </p> <p> 00:16:25:19 - 00:16:59:14<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> That cannot be overstated. And as we do that, I think we all uphold that level of commitment to excellence that our patients and the people in our community want. So, John, thank you so much for your time today, for sharing your expertise. While we may not be able to prevent or mitigate everything, you have given us such great advice and we should make sure we take that down, but also listen to many of your podcasts that you put out or the Action Alerts that you sent through because they are helpful and direct and provide that great advice to move forward. </p> <p> 00:16:59:16 - 00:17:17:11<br> Tina Freese Decker<br> And I know that you are available to connect with all of our members if there is a specific situation, or they just want to learn more to make sure that we're better. So thank you, John, for being here. And thank you to all of those that have tuned in to this conversation. We will be back next month for another Leadership Dialogue. </p> <p> 00:17:17:13 - 00:17:25:24<br> Tom Haederle<br> Thanks for listening to Advancing Health. Please subscribe and rate us five stars on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. </p> </details> </div></div><div class="col-md-4"><div class="views-element-container"> <section class="top-level-view js-view-dom-id-2325870a1991dba3f50265fe63d50edda791acc9c09f0fe40c783155daf13aa9 resource-block"> <h2>Previous Leadership Dialogues and Rounds</h2> <div class="resource-wrapper"> <div class="resource-view"> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/news/chairpersons-file/2025-03-31-chair-file-leadership-dialogue-importance-advocacy-and-storytelling-rural-health-lori" hreflang="en">Chair File: Leadership Dialogue — Importance of Advocacy and Storytelling in Rural Health with Lori Wightman, R.N., CEO of Bothwell Regional Health Center</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2025-03-31T10:49:30-05:00">Mar 31, 2025</time> </span> </div></div> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/news/chairpersons-file/2025-02-24-chair-file-leadership-dialogue-advancing-health-and-building-trust-lynn-hanessian-and-robert" hreflang="en">Chair File: Leadership Dialogue — Advancing Health and Building Trust with Lynn Hanessian and Robert Trestman, M.D.</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2025-02-24T08:21:34-06:00">Feb 24, 2025</time> </span> </div></div> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/news/chairpersons-file/2025-01-27-chair-file-leadership-dialogue-tackling-todays-health-care-challenges-aha-leaders-stacey" hreflang="en">Chair File: Leadership Dialogue — Tackling Today’s Health Care Challenges with AHA Leaders Stacey Hughes and Ashley Thompson</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2025-01-27T09:40:27-06:00">Jan 27, 2025</time> </span> </div></div> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/news/chairpersons-file/2024-12-16-leadership-dialogue-assessing-health-care-challenges-and-successes-tina-freese-decker" hreflang="en">Leadership Dialogue — Assessing Health Care Challenges and Successes With Tina Freese Decker, President and CEO of Corewell Health</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2024-12-16T08:16:44-06:00">Dec 16, 2024</time> </span> </div></div> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/news/chairpersons-file/2024-11-18-leadership-dialogue-advancing-health-care-innovation-amy-perry-president-and-ceo-banner" hreflang="en">Leadership Dialogue — Advancing Health Care Innovation with Amy Perry, President and CEO of Banner Health</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2024-11-18T10:04:06-06:00">Nov 18, 2024</time> </span> </div></div> </div> </div> <div class="more-link"><a href="/topics/leadership-dialogue">Watch More Leadership Dialogues and Rounds Videos</a></div> </section> </div> </div></div></div> Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:30:00 -0500 Leadership /04/2025/mobilizing-technology-and-innovation-support-rural-health <div> </div>header.jumbotron {display:none} <div> /* center_body */ .center_body { /*margin-top:50px;*/ /* margin-bottom: 50px;*/ } .center_body h3 {} .center_body p { font-size: 16px } p.center_Intro { color: #002855; line-height: 1.2em; font-size: 30px; margin: 10px 0 25px 0; font-weight: 700; font-size: 2em; } @media (max-width:768px) { p.center_Intro { line-height: 1.2em; font-size: 23px; font-size: 1.45em; } } .center_body .center_Lead { color: #63666A; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 21px; } /* center_body // */ /* Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar */ .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar { position: relative; display: block; overflow: hidden; max-width: 1170px; margin: 0px auto 25px auto; } .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { position: absolute; bottom: 40px; color: #003087; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .8); width: 100%; padding: 20px 40px; font-size: 3em; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px -5px rgba(0, 0, 0, .6); } @media (max-width:991px) { .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; font-size: 2.5em; } } @media (max-width:767px) { .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { font-size: 2em; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; padding: 10px 20px; } } @media (max-width:530px) { .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { position: relative; background-color: #63666A22; } } /* Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar // */ <header class="Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/VED_Microsoft_banner_1170x250.png" alt="Microsoft Banner Image" width="1170" height="250"><div><h1>Mobilizing Technology and Innovation to Support Rural Health</h1></div></header>/* CntMenuSub */ .CntMenuSub{ margin:20px 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; color: #afb1b1; letter-spacing: 1.5px; font-weight: 400; font-size: .7em; } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuBar{ border-bottom: 1px solid lightblue; } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuBar a:after{ content: "|"; padding: 0 3px 0 6px; color: #555; } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuBar a:last-child:after{ content: ""; } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubHome, .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubParent{ text-transform: uppercase; color: #555; opacity: .9; } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubParent{ } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubChild{ } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubCurrent{ opacity: .7; } .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubHome:hover, .CntMenuSub .CntMenuSubParent:hover{ text-transform: uppercase; color: #d50032; } /* CntMenuSub // */ <div class="container CntMenuSub"><div class="col-md-1"> </div><div class="col-md-10 row CntMenuBar"><a class="CntMenuSubHome" href="/education-events/aha-virtual-executive-dialogues">AHA Knowledge Exchange</a> <span class="CntMenuSubChild" id="CntMenuSubChild">Mobilizing Technology and Innovation to Support Rural Health</span></div><div class="col-md-1"> </div></div><div class="row spacer"><div class="col-sm-3"><div><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/04/ke-microsoft-mobilizing-tech-to-support-rural-health.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/VED_Microsoft_cover_910x1220.jpg" alt="AHA Knowledge Exchange | Mobilizing Technology and Innovation to Support Rural Health" width="100%" height="100%"></a></div></div><div class="col-sm-9 center_body">.sponsortype { color: #9d2235; font-size: 1.5em; margin: 0px; font-weight: 700; } <p class="sponsortype">AHA Knowledge Exchange</p> Intro.............. </p> --> xxxxxx </p> --><h2>Mitigating gaps in rural health resources and the workforce</h2><p>Rural residents’ top three health concerns are mental health, substance-use disorders and health care access, according to the Rural Healthy People 2030 survey. Geographical isolation, inadequate health infrastructure and a shortage of health professionals can result in poor health outcomes in rural settings. These challenges impact rural communities and residents’ well-being both physically and emotionally. Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) can bridge these gaps in innovative ways to make health care services more accessible in rural communities and support economic stability. This Knowledge Exchange e-book provides insights on how rural health care leaders envision using technology and innovation to address these issues, as well as transform their organizations and community engagement.</p><div class="row">@media (min-width:768px){ .EDsponsorFloat{ float:right; } } @media (max-width:767px){ .EDLinkFloat{ position:relative; left:27%; } .EDsponsorFloat { text-align:center } } <div class="col-sm-6"><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary EDLinkFloat" href="/system/files/media/file/2025/04/ke-microsoft-mobilizing-tech-to-support-rural-health.pdf" title="AHA Knowledge Exchange | Mobilizing Technology and Innovation to Support Rural Health" data-view-context="top-level-view">Download the Report</a></div><div class="col-sm-6"><div class="EDsponsorFloat"><strong>Sponsored by: </strong><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024-06/Logo_Microsoft_834x313.jpg" alt="Microsoft Logo" width="100%" height="100%"></a></div></div></div></div></div>.sp_CTA5_holder { margin-top:0px; border-bottom: solid 1px #555; padding-bottom: 50px; } .sp_CTA5_holder_last { border-bottom: solid 0px #555; } .sp_CTA5_holder >div{ overflow: auto; } .sp_CTA5_holder ul { list-style: none; /* Remove default bullets */ padding-left: 0px; /*width: calc(100% - 15%);*/ /*margin: 50px auto 0;*/ margin:auto 50px; } .sp_CTA5_holder ul li{ margin-bottom:7px; line-height: 1.5em; font-size:16px; } .sp_CTA5_holder ul li::before { content: " "; font-size: 1em; margin-right: 10px; display: inline-block; height: 12px; background-color: #9d2235; width: 12px; position: relative; top: 0px; -webkit-transform: rotate(45deg); -moz-transform: rotate(45deg); -o-transform: rotate(45deg); } .sp_CTA5_holder ul li{ padding-left:23px; text-indent:-23px; } .body ol>li, .body ul>li{ font-size:16px: } .sp_CTA5_holder h2 { color: #002855; /*! line-height: 2em; */ font-size: 2.15em; margin: 0 0 15px 0; /*! font-size: 30px; */ } .sp_CTA5_holder h3 { /*color: #002855;*/ line-height: 1em; /*font-size: 1.5em;*/ margin-bottom: 25px; margin-top:5px; font-size: 28px; } .sp_CTA5_section{ margin-top: 25px } .sp_CTA5_ImgShadow { /*background-color:green;*/ /* just a visual */ text-align: center } .sp_CTA5_ImgShadow { padding-bottom:75px; /* must match the padding on the img*/ margin: 0px; } .sp_CTA5_ImgShadow img{ width: calc(100% - 35px - 15px); -webkit-box-shadow: 50px -75px 0px 0px rgba(185, 217, 235, 1); -moz-box-shadow: 50px -75px 0px 0px rgba(185, 217, 235, 1); box-shadow: 50px -75px 0px 0px rgba(185, 217, 235, 1); position: relative; top: 75px; max-width: 490px; } @media (max-width:990px){ .sp_CTA5_ImgShadow img{ max-width: 350px;} } @media (max-width:990px){ .sp_CTA5_ImgShadow { padding-bottom:75px; /* must match the padding on the img*/ margin: 0px; margin-right: 40px } } <div class="row spacer sp_CTA5_holder sp_CTA5_holder_last"><div class="col-md-12"><h3>10 strategies and technology investments rural health leaders prioritize to attract clinicians and expand health services in their communities</h3><div class="sp_CTA5_section"><ul><li>Communicate and commit to a <strong>digital health vision</strong> in the hospital strategic plan and educate the community on specifics being implemented and the big picture.</li><li>Form an <strong>interdisciplinary digital health and AI steering committee</strong> with an executive sponsor to vet technology and look at each solution for security, ethics and operational issues.</li><li><strong>Partner with specialty programs</strong> such as teleneonatal intensive care, teleneuro and telepharmacy. Collaborate with other hospitals and emergency medical service providers.</li><li>Work on <strong>processes that can be repeatable and scalable</strong> for clinical workflows and claims processing.</li><li><strong>Select AI technology designed to fit easily into clinical teams’ day-to-day workflows</strong> inside the electronic health record and does not detract from patient-clinician interactions.</li><li><strong>Address nursing shortages with virtual integrated nursing care models</strong>. Use team models for inpatient rounding to improve patient experience.</li><li><strong>Create a telepsychiatry hub</strong> for perinatal patients. Offer virtual medical and behavioral health services in schools.</li><li>Develop patient education materials and videos using AI tools to <strong>address the health literacy gap</strong>.</li><li><strong>Pilot AI programs</strong> like MindUP, Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid to expand access to vital assessments.</li><li>Use Findhelp or Unite Us to <strong>connect the hospital and clinics to community-based organizations</strong>.</li></ul></div></div></div><h2>Participants</h2>/* people */ .people { margin-top: 50px; } .people img:nth-child(1) { border-radius: 200px; -moz-border-radius: 200px; -webkit-border-radius: 200px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width:200px; /* for Transformation Talks */ display:block; /* for Transformation Talks */ margin:auto; /* for Transformation Talks */ } .people img:nth-child(1):hover { opacity: .7 } @media (max-width:991px) { .people { margin: auto; } .people p { text-align: center } } .ci_profile { margin-bottom: 30px; display: block; text-align:center /* this is for the "Executive Dialogue" page */ } @media (max-width:991px) { .ci_profile { text-align: center } } .ci_profile p { margin: 0 0 7px 0 } .ci_profile_name { font-weight: 700; font-size: 20px; } p.ci_profile_name { font-size: 1.5em; line-height:1.2em; margin-top:10px } .ci_profile_title { font-style: italic; line-height: 1.3em } .ci_profile_company { font-size: 1em; } p.ci_profile_award { font-size: .8em; text-align:center; color:#55555599; font-weight: 700 } .ci_profile_social { width: auto; } .ci_profile_social i { padding-right: 25px; font-size: 20px } .ci_profile_social a:last-of-type i { padding-right: 0px; } #ci_footer-social { font-size: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; width: 100%; text-align: right; } @media (max-width:991px) { .ci_logo { margin-top: 25px } .ci_social p { text-align: center !important; } #ci_footer-social { text-align: center } } @media (min-width:769px){ .people .rowEqual_768 { display: -webkit-box; display: -webkit-flex; display: -ms-flexbox; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; } .people .rowEqual_768>[class*='col-'] { -ms-flex: 3; /* IE 10 */ flex: inherit; /*flex*/ width: calc((100% / 3) - 2px) /*Adjust % for the number per row, will override the bootstrap - Also needed for Safari*/; } } @media (max-width:767px) and (min-width:361px){ .people .rowEqual_768 { display: -webkit-box; display: -webkit-flex; display: -ms-flexbox; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; } .people .rowEqual_768>[class*='col-'] { -ms-flex: 1; /* IE 10 */ flex: auto; width: calc((100% / 2) - 2px) /*Adjust % for the number per row, will override the bootstrap - Also needed for Safari*/; } } p.ci_profile_name { font-size: 1.5em; line-height:1.2em; margin-top:10px } .people .ci_profile_combined{ font-size:14px; line-height: 18px; } .people .ci_profile_combined span{ font-style: italic; } .people .ci_profile_combined:before{ content:""; border-bottom: solid 1px #55555522; display: block; clear: both; width: 85%; margin: 5PX auto 10px; } <div class="people"><div class="row rowEqual_768"><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Bourland_Trent_300x300.jpg" alt="Trent Bourland" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Trent Bourland</p><p class="ci_profile_title">CEO</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Coal County General Hospital</p> profile_combined </p> <p class="ci_profile_award"> profile_award </p> <div class="ci_profile_social"> profile_social </div> --></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Boyd_Melanie_300x300.jpg" alt="Melanie Boyd" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Melanie Boyd</p><p class="ci_profile_title">CEO</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Clarke County Hospital</p> profile_combined </p> <p class="ci_profile_award"> profile_award </p> <div class="ci_profile_social"> profile_social </div> --></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Davis_Jeremy_300x300.jpg" alt="Jeremy P. Davis" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Jeremy P. Davis, MHA</p><p class="ci_profile_title">President and CEO</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics</p> profile_combined </p> <p class="ci_profile_award"> profile_award </p> <div class="ci_profile_social"> profile_social </div> --></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Dybdal_Landon_300x300.jpg" alt="Landon M. Dybdal" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Landon M. Dybdal</p><p class="ci_profile_title">CEO</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Lake Health District</p> profile_combined </p> <p class="ci_profile_award"> profile_award </p> <div class="ci_profile_social"> profile_social </div> --></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Kreofsky_Laura_300x300.jpg" alt="Laura Kreofsky" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Laura Kreofsky</p><p class="ci_profile_title">Director, Rural Health Resiliency</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Microsoft</p> profile_combined </p> <p class="ci_profile_award"> profile_award </p> <div class="ci_profile_social"> profile_social </div> --></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Lively_Corey_300x300.jpg" alt="Corey G. Lively" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Corey G. Lively</p><p class="ci_profile_title">CEO</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Great Plains Regional Medical Center</p> profile_combined </p> <p class="ci_profile_award"> profile_award </p> <div class="ci_profile_social"> profile_social </div> --></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Lutz_Carrie_300x300.jpg" alt="Carrie Lutz" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Carrie Lutz, R.N.</p><p class="ci_profile_title">CEO</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Holton Community Hospital</p> profile_combined </p> <p class="ci_profile_award"> profile_award </p> <div class="ci_profile_social"> profile_social </div> --></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Mallet_Teresa_300x300.jpg" alt="Teresa Mallett" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Teresa Mallett, MHA</p><p class="ci_profile_title">CEO</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Madison Regional Health System</p><div class="ci_profile_social"> </div></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/McCormack_Holly_300x300.jpg" alt="Holly McCormack" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Holly McCormack, DNP, R.N.</p><p class="ci_profile_title">President and CEO</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Cottage Hospital</p><div class="ci_profile_social"> </div></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Mills_Dora_300x300.jpg" alt="Dora Anne Mills" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Dora Anne Mills, M.D., MPH, FAAP</p><p class="ci_profile_title">Chief health improvement officer</p><p class="ci_profile_company">MaineHealth</p><div class="ci_profile_social"> </div></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Pitcher_Gratia_300x300.jpg" alt="Gratia L. Pitcher" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Gratia L. Pitcher, M.D., MBA</p><p class="ci_profile_title">Chief medical officer and Patient experience dyad leader</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Essentia Health</p><div class="ci_profile_social"> </div></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Sweetnam_Olivia_300x300.jpg" alt="Olivia Sweetnam" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Olivia Sweetnam, MPH, MSN, ACNP-BC</p><p class="ci_profile_title">CEO</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Grace Cottage Family Health and Hospital</p><div class="ci_profile_social"> </div></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Torres_Tony_300x300.jpg" alt="Tony Torres" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Tony Torres, M.D., FACP</p><p class="ci_profile_title">President and CEO</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center</p><div class="ci_profile_social"> </div></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Ward_Josiah_300x300.jpg" alt="Josiah Ward" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Josiah Ward, D.O., FAAP</p><p class="ci_profile_title">Chief medical officer</p><p class="ci_profile_company">La Esperanza Clinic</p><div class="ci_profile_social"> </div></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Weeks_Bill_300x300.jpg" alt="Bill Weeks" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">William (Bill) Weeks, M.D., PhD, MBA</p><p class="ci_profile_title">Director, AI for Health</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Microsoft</p><div class="ci_profile_social"> </div></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Wehrman_Doug_300x300.jpg" alt="Doug Wehrman" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Doug Wehrman, PT, DPT</p><p class="ci_profile_title">Chief operating officer</p><p class="ci_profile_company">Brodstone Healthcare</p><div class="ci_profile_social"> </div></div><div class="col-md-4 col-sm-6 ci_profile"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024-04/Hoppszallern_Suzanna_300x300%20%281%29.png" alt="Suzanna Hoppszallern" width="300" height="300"><p class="ci_profile_name">Moderator:</p><p class="ci_profile_name">Suzanna Hoppszallern</p><p class="ci_profile_title">Senior Editor, Center for Health Innovation</p><p class="ci_profile_company">���������� Association</p></div></div></div>@media (min-width:768px){ .rowEqual_768 { display: -webkit-box; display: -webkit-flex; display: -ms-flexbox; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; } .rowEqual_768>[class*='col-'] { -ms-flex: 1; /* IE 10 */ flex: auto; width: calc(33.3% - 2px) /*Safari Fix*/; } } .center_callout_3invert { background-color: #f6f6f6; text-align: center; /*margin-bottom:25px;*/ margin-top:30px; } .center_callout_3invert h4 { color: #002855; line-height: 1.2em; font-size: 30px; margin: 10px 0 30px 0; } .center_callout_3invert h3 { margin: 25px 0 0 0; color: #555; font-size: .7em; text-transform: uppercase; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 3px; } .center_callout_3invert p{ font-size:16px; } <div class="row center_callout_3invert"><div class="col-md-1"> </div><div class="col-md-10"><h2>AHA Knowledge Exchange</h2><p>Gain insights from the C-suite and health care leaders on the most pressing issues and transformational strategies.</p><p><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="/education-events/aha-virtual-executive-dialogues" data-view-context="top-level-view">Explore the Series</a> /* y-hr3 */ .y-hr3{ clear: both; } .y-hr3 div:nth-child(2) { border-top: solid 2px lightgrey; margin: 50px 0px; height: 0px } /* y-hr3 // */ </p><div class="row y-hr3"><div class="col-md-3"> </div><div class="col-md-6"> </div><div class="col-md-3"> </div></div></div><div class="col-md-1"> </div></div><div class="row"><h2>Latest Knowledge Exchange</h2><div class="feedEmbedImg">.feedEmbedImg .views-element-container { background-color: #f6f6f6;; padding: 20px } .feedEmbedImg .views-element-container h2{ margin-top:0px; color: } .feedEmbedImg .views-element-container .views-field.views-field-created{ color: } .feedEmbedImg .views-element-container .views-field.views-field-title a{ font-size: 20px; color:#002855 } .feedEmbedImg .views-element-container .views-field.views-field-body{ font-size: 16px; color:; } .feedEmbedImg .views-element-container .article.views-row { display: inline-block; transition: 1s; } .feedEmbedImg .views-element-container img{ float: left; margin-right:15px; max-width: 200px ; transition: 2s; } .feedEmbedImg .resource-block .resource-view .views-row:hover{ transform: scale(1.02); } .feedEmbedImg .resource-block .resource-view .views-row:hover img{ opacity: .6; transition: 1.5s; } .feedEmbedImg .resource-block .resource-view .views-row:hover a{ color:#307fe2; } .feedEmbedImg .feedEmbedImg .views-element-container .more-link{ font-size: 1.3em; text-align: right; } .feedEmbedImg .more-link{ text-align: right } @media (max-width:550px){ .feedEmbedImg .views-element-container img { float:unset; display: block; margin: 0 auto; max-width: 100% } .feedEmbedImg .views-field.views-field-created{ clear: both; margin-top:10px; } }  <div class="views-element-container"> <section class="top-level-view js-view-dom-id-a334b81d849e39ffae7028c22f8482dcb468b37dfe8222ef94788c8e5948d13c resource-block"> <div class="resource-wrapper"> <div class="resource-view"> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-field-page-title-background"> <div class="field-content sed-thumb"> <a href="/member-knowledge-exchange/2024-12-11/resilient-health-system-operating-model" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_200x200/public/2024-12/VED_Accenture_Governance_620x381.jpg?itok=viVBuq-l" width="200" height="123" alt="VED_Accenture_Governance_620x381-image" /> </a> </div> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2024-12-10T16:11:13-06:00">Dec 10, 2024</time> </span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/member-knowledge-exchange/2024-12-11/resilient-health-system-operating-model" hreflang="en">The Resilient Health System Operating Model</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-body"> <div class="field-content">Health system leaders are building a robust governance and resilient operating model to transform health care delivery models for the future.</div> </div></div> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-field-page-title-background"> <div class="field-content sed-thumb"> <a href="/member-knowledge-exchange/2024-12-06/optimize-your-hospitals-revenue-cycle-efficient-patient-centered-operations" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_200x200/public/2024-12/KnowEx_RI_RevenueCycle_620x381_rev1.jpg?itok=42C41VMq" width="200" height="123" alt="KnowEx_RI_RevenueCycle_620x381_rev1" /> </a> </div> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2024-12-05T14:26:53-06:00">Dec 5, 2024</time> </span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/member-knowledge-exchange/2024-12-06/optimize-your-hospitals-revenue-cycle-efficient-patient-centered-operations" hreflang="en">Optimize Your Hospital’s Revenue Cycle for Efficient, Patient-Centered Operations</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-body"> <div class="field-content">Optimizing hospital’s revenue cycle for efficient, patient-centered operations and enhancing critical KPIs using AI and robotic process automation.</div> </div></div> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-field-page-title-background"> <div class="field-content sed-thumb"> <a href="/2024-11-14/empowering-patient-engagement-and-behavior-change-improve-health-and-reduce-disparities" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_200x200/public/2024-11/VED_PatientPoint_Engagement_620x381.jpg?itok=dHKIfRK6" width="200" height="123" alt="PatientPoint_Engagement_620x381" /> </a> </div> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2024-11-13T15:51:45-06:00">Nov 13, 2024</time> </span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/2024-11-14/empowering-patient-engagement-and-behavior-change-improve-health-and-reduce-disparities" hreflang="en">Empowering Patient Engagement and Behavior Change to Improve Health and Reduce Disparities</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-body"> <div class="field-content">Empowering patient engagement and leveraging customized communication and education via digital technologies to improve health and reduce disparities.</div> </div></div> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-field-page-title-background"> <div class="field-content sed-thumb"> <a href="/2024-10-30/aligning-payers-and-partners-value-based-care" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_200x200/public/2024-10/KnowEx_CorroHealthh_Medicaid_620x381.jpg?itok=HS9Y48c8" width="200" height="123" alt="KnowEx_CorroHealth_Medicaid" /> </a> </div> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2024-10-29T15:17:14-05:00">Oct 29, 2024</time> </span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/2024-10-30/aligning-payers-and-partners-value-based-care" hreflang="en">Aligning Payers and Partners for Value-based Care</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-body"> <div class="field-content">As value-based care models grow, hospitals, providers and payers need to align goals and incentives to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.</div> </div></div> <div class="article views-row"> <div class="views-field views-field-field-page-title-background"> <div class="field-content sed-thumb"> <a href="/2024-09-26/transforming-behavioral-health-journey" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_200x200/public/2024-09/Iris-Telehealth-banner-620x381.jpg?itok=QQ9C-7Mp" width="200" height="123" alt="Iris-Telehealth-banner-620x381" /> </a> </div> </div><div class="views-field views-field-created"> <span class="field-content"><time datetime="2024-09-25T14:49:38-05:00">Sep 25, 2024</time> </span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-title"> <span class="field-content"><a href="/2024-09-26/transforming-behavioral-health-journey" hreflang="en">Transforming the Behavioral Health Journey</a></span> </div><div class="views-field views-field-body"> <div class="field-content">Transforming the behavioral health journey with strategic initiatives to build a sustainable and coordinated behavioral health services continuum.</div> </div></div> </div> </div> <div class="more-link"><a href="/aha-knowledge-exchange-archive">View All: AHA Knowledge Exchange</a></div> </section> </div> </div></div> Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:41:52 -0500 Leadership /education-events/2025-aha-leadership-summit <p class="field_lead">The <a href="https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/" target="_blank" title="2025 AHA Leadership Summit"><strong>2025 AHA Leadership Summit</strong></a> senior health care executives, clinicians and experts in the field presenting innovative approaches for delivering better care and greater value, ensuring financial stability, addressing workforce challenges and improving the health care consumer experience through operational excellence, creative partnerships and redefined delivery models.</p><p>Join a diverse community of strategic and visionary leaders who represent excellence in the field as they boldly transform their organizations.</p><p>Our attendees include <strong>CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CMOs, CNOs, CIOs and other C-suite leaders</strong>, as well as <strong>VPs, Physician Leaders, Advanced Practice Professionals, Directors and Managers</strong> overseeing patient care, strategy, innovation, digital transformation, finance, workforce and policy.</p><p>Additionally, the Summit welcomes <strong>emerging and next-generation health care leaders</strong> who are shaping the future of patient-centered care and health system transformation.</p><hr><h2>Leading Hospitals | Leading Health Care</h2><p><strong>Leading Hospitals</strong></p><p>Learn with colleagues in a variety of educational opportunities that facilitate the sharing of insights and leading practices.<br>You’ll hear from innovators investing in the promising ideas, technologies and scientific discoveries that are changing the consumer experience and reimagining care delivery</p><p><strong>Leading Health Care</strong></p><p>Discover inspiration and practical strategies to sustain transformation within your organization, system and community as we prepare for the future.<br>Dive into real-world applications and connect with leaders who share your commitment to driving transformative change in health care.</p><p><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/" target="_blank" title="2025 AHA Leadership Summit" data-view-context="top-level-view"><strong>LEARN MORE >></strong></a></p><h2>AHA Members – Interested in receiving complimentary registration?<br>Consider our Hosted Buyer Forum to connect with high-quality solutions providers.</h2><p><a href="/hosted-buyer" target="_blank"><strong>Hosted Buyer Forum</strong></a> - Sunday, July 22 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:30 PM-5:30 PM<br>The Hosted Buyer Forum offers a private showcase for hospital and health system leaders interested in connecting with solution providers addressing key hospital issues. After the Forum is complete, participants are encouraged to join the Welcome Reception for additional networking.</p><p><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/hosted-buyer" target="_blank" title="2025 AHA Leadership Summit Sponsorship" data-view-context="top-level-view"><strong>LEARN MORE >></strong></a></p><hr>Call for Speakers</h2> <p>We’re calling on leaders shaping the future of health care to apply to share their real-world strategies and proven solutions with peers across the field. Whether you're tackling workforce challenges, transforming care delivery or driving operational excellence, we want to hear from you. </p> <p>Proposals must be non-commercial in nature. The Call for Speakers deadline is <strong>Monday, November 25</strong>.</p> <a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" data-view-context="top-level-view" href="https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/program/speaking-opportunities-ls" target="_blank"><strong>LEARN MORE >></strong></a> <a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" data-view-context="top-level-view" href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/385d7c8476204286b3b500744d75dfe6" target="_blank" title="AHA Leadership Summit Call for Proposals - Apply Today!"><strong>APPLY TODAY >></strong></a> <br /> </p> <div class="RuralButton"><a class="btn btn-primary btn-primary-avc1" href="https://www.cvent.com/c/abstracts/c8eaf006-bb32-489c-8d5e-515f82937464" target="_blank"><strong>APPLY TODAY >></strong> </a></div> --><h2>Sponsorship Opportunities</h2><p>A variety of sponsorship opportunities offer both broad exposure and targeted connections with senior health care executives. Support the entire event, design and deliver a session that features your own executive leadership or gain visibility through numerous other opportunities.</p><p>Participation by the business community in the Leadership Summit is reserved for Summit sponsors and AHA Associates.</p><p>Learn how your organization can align with hospital and health system leaders as they meet to reimagine the future.</p><p><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/sponsor-exhibit/sponsorship-ls" target="_blank" title="2025 AHA Leadership Summit Sponsorship" data-view-context="top-level-view"><strong>LEARN MORE >></strong></a></p> Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:15:30 -0500 Leadership /aha-center-health-innovation-market-scan/2025-04-21-driving-drivers <div class="raw-html-embed"> </div><div> /* Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar */ .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar { position: relative; display: block; overflow: hidden; max-width: 1170px; margin: 0px auto 25px auto; } .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { position: absolute; bottom: 40px; color: #003087; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .8); width: 100%; padding: 20px 40px; font-size: 3em; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px -5px rgba(0, 0, 0, .6); } @media (max-width:991px) { .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; font-size: 2.5em; } } @media (max-width:767px) { .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { font-size: 2em; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; padding: 10px 20px; } } @media (max-width:530px) { .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { position: relative; background-color: #63666A22; } } /* Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar // */ <header class="Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024-01/Trailblazers_Amazon_banner_1170x250.png" alt="Cover of Driving the Drivers: How hospitals and health systems can leverage technology and workflow optimization to address health-related social needs" width="1168" height="250"><div><h1>Driving the Drivers</h1></div></header></div> h2{ margin-top: 0px; } p.center_Intro { color: #002855; line-height: 1.2em; font-size: 30px; margin: 10px 0 25px 0; font-weight: 700; font-size: 2em; } p.center_Lead { color: #63666A; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 21px; } <div class="row"><div class="col-sm-8"><h2>How hospitals and health systems can leverage technology and workflow optimization to address health-related social needs.</h2><p>Addressing a patient’s social care needs can be a challenging journey for hospitals and health systems. It begins with screening a patient for health-related social needs (HRSN) and, ideally, ends with the patient being connected to the resources they need to experience better health outcomes.</p><p>How can hospitals and health systems reduce those gaps in the HRSN journey for themselves, their clinicians, their staff and, most importantly, their patients and communities? Technology-driven automation is the answer.</p><p>Screening patients for HRSN needs and using those data hit the four targets in the Quadruple Aim. It’s the people who use technology-driven automation to improve SDOH screening processes and measure the results. These results enhance patient experience, improve population health, reduce costs and improve the work life of health care providers.</p><div class="row"><div class="col-sm-12"><p><strong>Sponsored by:</strong><a href="https://uniteus.com/" target="_blank" title="UniteUs"><strong><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-05/Logo_UniteUs_834x313.jpg" alt="UniteUs logo" width="834" height="313"></strong></a></p></div></div></div><div class="col-sm-4"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024-01/Trailblazers_logo-924x265.png" alt="TrailBlazers" width="100%" height="100%"><p><br><a href="#DownloadNow" title="Download, Driving the Drivers: How hospitals and health systems can leverage technology and workflow optimization to address health-related social needs"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Traiblazers_UniteUs_cover_777x600.png" alt="Cover, Driving the Drivers: How hospitals and health systems can leverage technology and workflow optimization to address health-related social needs" width="100%" height="100%"> </a><br><a class="btn btn-primary" href="#DownloadNow" title="Download, Driving the Drivers: How hospitals and health systems can leverage technology and workflow optimization to address health-related social needs">Download</a></p></div></div> .y-hr3 div:nth-child(2) { border-top: solid 15px #67c1c3; margin: 50px 0px; height: 0px; <div class="row y-hr3"><div class="col-md-3"> </div><div class="col-md-6"> </div><div class="col-md-3"> </div></div><div class="row"><div class="col-sm-4"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Trailblazers_UniteUs_FirstSection_700x1064.png" alt="Illustration of various types of people walking around" width="100%" height="100%"></div><div class="col-sm-8"><h2>Capitalizing on Opportunities</h2><p>Technology-driven automation can help provider organizations capitalize on these opportunities in the following ways:</p><ul><li><strong>Enhanced Patient Experience:</strong> <br>Screening allows health care providers to understand the patient’s full context and tailor care accordingly, leading to a more patient-centered approach.</li><li><strong>Improved Patient Outcomes:</strong> <br>By identifying and addressing social needs, health care providers can help patients overcome barriers to accessing care and improving their health.</li><li><strong>Reduced Health Care Costs:</strong> <br>Addressing social needs can prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits, ultimately reducing health care costs.</li><li><strong>Strengthened Community Partnerships:</strong> <br>Screening initiatives can help hospitals build relationships with community organizations, creating a network of resources to support patients’ needs.</li></ul><p><a href="#DownloadNow" title="Download, Driving the Drivers: How hospitals and health systems can leverage technology and workflow optimization to address health-related social needs"><strong>READ MORE.</strong></a></p></div></div><div class="row y-hr3"><div class="col-md-3"> </div><div class="col-md-6"> </div><div class="col-md-3"> </div></div><div class="row"><div class="col-sm-4"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Trailblazers_UniteUs_Presbyterian_700x532.png" alt="Exterior of Presbyterian Healthcare Services" width="700" height="532"></div><div class="col-sm-8"><h2>Case Study: Presbyterian Healthcare Services</h2><h3>From ‘Scattershot’ to Standardized</h3><p>In 2018, PHS adopted the screening system and used it for the accountable health communities project before scaling up to systemwide screening and integrating it into the EHR in 2021. In early 2024, PHS migrated to Unite Us. The three systems — HRSN screening, EHR and portal — now work in concert to power the HRSN screening process as part of routine health care. This approach eliminated paper screenings, standardized screening workflows across care sites, and integrated patients’ HRSN screening data into their EHRs and patient portals.</p><p><a href="#DownloadNow" title="Download, Driving the Drivers: How hospitals and health systems can leverage technology and workflow optimization to address health-related social needs"><strong>READ MORE.</strong></a></p></div></div><div class="row y-hr3"><div class="col-md-3"> </div><div class="col-md-6"> </div><div class="col-md-3"> </div></div><div class="row"><div class="col-sm-4"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Trailblazers_UniteUs_Yale_NewHaven_700x532.png" alt="Exterior of Yale New Haven Health" width="700" height="532"></div><div class="col-sm-8"><h2>Case Study: Yale New Haven Health</h2><h3>Willingness Replaces Hesitancy</h3><p>In 2020, YNHH implemented the automated social referral platform from Unite Us, a New York-based technology company. This was paired with improved workflows within the EHR. The move turned hesitancy into willingness for each of the system’s challenges. Patients now can complete their HRSN screening questions in their homes through the patient portals. They can do it on their smartphones, tablets, laptops, in kiosks at check-in, and by clinicians and support staff in any inpatient or outpatient setting before, during or after a visit.</p><p><a href="#DownloadNow" title="Download, Driving the Drivers: How hospitals and health systems can leverage technology and workflow optimization to address health-related social needs"><strong>READ MORE.</strong></a></p></div></div><div> .SponsorMarketoForm { background-color: ; padding:5px 25px; border: solid 2px #307FE2; margin:50px 15px 0px !important; display:inline-block; width:100%; } .SponsorMarketoForm h3{ margin:10x 0 0 0 ; color:#eaaa00; font-size:.7em; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:400; letter-spacing:3px; max-width:200px; /* Custom for the copy length */ background-color:#fff; padding: 5px 15px; position:relative; top:-35px; height: 0px; } .SponsorMarketoForm h2{ color: #002855; } .SponsorMarketoForm .SponsorMarketoFormHolder{ background-color: ; padding:15px; display: inline-block; margin-bottom:25px; } .SponsorMarketoFormHolder form{ margin: auto; } @media (max-width:640px){ .SponsorMarketoForm { padding:5px 0px; } .SponsorMarketoForm .SponsorMarketoFormHolder{ padding:15px 0px; } } /* Marketo Over-ride */ .mktoForm .mktoFormRow:nth-child(3){ float: left; } /*Center the last row .mktoForm .mktoFormRow:nth-child(4){ margin-left:15%; } */ .mktoForm label{ font-size: 0px; width: 0px !important; } .mktoForm input{ height: 30px } .mktoForm .mktoButtonRow{ float: left; } .mktoForm .mktoButtonWrap { margin-left:20px !important; } .mktoForm .mktoButton { background-color: #307FE2 !important; border: 1px solid #307FE2 !important; color: #fff !important; padding: 0.4em 1em; font-size: 1em; background-image: none !important; min-width: 190px; margin: 0 15px; border-radius: 4px; padding: 10px 20px; transition: all .25s ease-in-out; text-shadow: none; white-space: normal; height: 30px; font-weight: 700 } .mktoForm .mktoButton:hover{ background-color: #002855 !important; border: 1px solid #002855 !important; color: #fff !important; } .mktoForm .mktoClear { clear: none; } <div class="row spacer" id="DownloadNow"><div><div class="col-md-1"> </div><div class="col-md-10"><div class="cta--image-container full_width SponsorMarketoForm"><h3>Download Now</h3><div class="col-md-9"><h2>Driving the Drivers</h2><div class="SponsorMarketoFormHolder">   MktoForms2.loadForm("//sponsors.aha.org", "710-ZLL-651", 3641); MktoForms2.whenReady(function(form) { if (form.getId() == 3641) { form.onSuccess(function(values, followUpUrl) { form.getFormElem().hide(); document.getElementById("successAndErrorMessages").innerHTML = "<div><p>Thank you for downloading the latest AHA Trailblazers.<\/p><a class='btn btn-wide btn-primary' data-view-context='top-level-view' href='https:\/\/www.aha.org\/system\/files\/media\/file\/2025\/04\/Trailblazers_UniteUs.pdf' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>Download the Report<\/a><\/center><\/div>"; return false; }); }; }); <div id="successAndErrorMessages"> </div></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/Traiblazers_UniteUs_cover_777x600.png" alt="Cover of Driving the Drivers: How hospitals and health systems can leverage technology and workflow optimization to address health-related social needs" width="600" height="777"></div></div></div><div class="col-md-1"> </div></div></div></div> Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:57:37 -0500 Leadership /aha-center-health-innovation-market-scan/2025-04-08-reimagined-ceo-leading-health-care-its-next-era <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/The-Reimagined-CEO-Leading-Health-Care-into-Its-Next-Era.png" data-entity-uuid="479cd75f-fccd-4fbe-abe6-c31d78f9cbb9" data-entity-type="file" alt="The Reimagined CEO: Leading Health Care into Its Next Era. A CEO's head in profile with the brain containing gears connected to outside gears supplying all the data being input into the brain." width="1200" height="646"><p>Health care CEOs are leading in a time unlike any other in recent memory — where complexity is the norm and the expectations are extraordinary. The role, once steeped in operational oversight and incremental improvement, has evolved rapidly into a multifaceted, future-facing leadership challenge. From managing rapid consolidation to engaging political stakeholders, from cultural stewardship to digital transformation, the modern CEO’s mandate is not just to steer the ship — but to redesign the vessel while in motion.</p><p>According to WittKieffer’s 2025 report <a href="https://wittkieffer.com/insights/healthcare-ceo-reimagined" target="_blank" title="WittKeiffer: Healthcare CEO Reimagined: Leading Healthcare’s Next Chapter">“Healthcare CEO Reimagined,”</a> the traditional CEO archetype is being redefined fundamentally. Drawing on extensive interviews with top health system leaders, the report highlights a set of paradigm shifts and leadership tenets for CEOs to consider and offers a road map for navigating health care’s accelerating transformation.</p><h2><span>1</span> <span>|</span> <span>From Visionary to Agile Architect</span></h2><p>Strategic agility now defines effective leadership, according to the report. While a long-term vision remains important, CEOs increasingly are required to flex their strategies in real time — responding to both evolving market conditions and internal dynamics. “We must be willing to act quickly, learn fast and be comfortable with occasional missteps,” said Tom Gessel, CEO of Oregon-based Asante health system, in the report. Leaders are expected to lead transformative initiatives while maintaining operational discipline and rallying stakeholders around a shared sense of purpose.</p><h2><span>2</span> <span>|</span> <span>Scaling Strategically, Not Just Structurally</span></h2><p>Health care consolidation has created vast, complex systems that span geographies and service lines. Yet, as CEOs like Dennis Murphy of IU Health note, growth without focus can lead to inertia. “Goal setting is not just about driving the organization forward; it is about decluttering it from negative inertia,” Murphy said.</p><p>The real challenge lies in balancing scale with agility, according to the WittKieffer report. CEOs must align systemwide advantages — like technology investments and operational efficiencies — with local relevance. “Essentiality” — becoming an indispensable provider in a given community — emerges as a critical goal. Tailored strategies that account for regional needs, consumer preferences and competitive dynamics no longer are optional but are essential for long-term viability, the report concluded.</p><h2><span>3</span> <span>|</span> <span>Culture as a CEO’s Most Enduring Legacy</span></h2><p>Perhaps no responsibility looms larger than cultural leadership, according to the report. “Culture starts with the CEO,” Christopher Howard, CEO of Sharp HealthCare, told WittKieffer. “My most significant impact is dedicating myself to our organization’s culture.”</p><p>Today’s CEOs must navigate cultural tensions — accountability vs. mission, excellence vs. agility, scale vs. identity. These aren’t opposites to resolve but dynamics to balance. As organizations grow, CEOs increasingly are held accountable not just for preserving culture, but also for strengthening and spreading it across their networks, the report states.</p><p>Michael Slubowski, CEO of Trinity Health in Michigan, envisions a culture where “120,000 team members improve the care experience without waiting to be asked or having to be told.” That kind of empowerment requires relentless communication, trust-building and authenticity from the top.</p><h2><span>4</span> <span>|</span> <span>Developing the Next Generation</span></h2><p>Leadership development is no longer a human relations function; it’s a CEO imperative. “Building a strong, competent team is the CEO’s most essential skill,” said Brian Erling, M.D., president and CEO of Renown Health. The WittKieffer report underscored that high-performing leaders build succession pipelines, mentor emerging talent and foster environments that balance challenge with support.</p><p>The report also highlights the need for strategic succession planning and skill set expansion, both of which help leaders bridge the gap between legacy systems and emerging models. The best CEOs create what the report calls “gentle pushes and soft landings,” enabling continuous growth without burnout.</p><p> </p><h2><span>5</span> <span>|</span> <span>Mastering External Engagement</span></h2><p>In an increasingly politicized and interconnected world, external engagement has shifted from a “nice-to-have” to a strategic imperative. WittKieffer suggests that CEOs must build coalitions, not just manage operations. This includes sustained advocacy, community partnerships and brand leadership.</p><p>“Advocacy work now demands priority status as one of the ‘big boulders’ that must come first,” the report notes. CEOs must be visible in their communities, present with policymakers and trusted by stakeholders — internally and externally. Their reputations now are inseparable from that of the institutions they lead.</p><h2><span>6</span> <span>| </span><span>Essential Tenets: What Sets Great CEOs Apart</span></h2><p>WittKieffer distills the most impactful leadership traits into six essential tenets:</p><ul><li><strong>Vision across multiple horizons</strong> — balancing near-term needs with long-term foresight.</li><li><strong>Catalytic decision-making</strong> — making bold decisions amid ambiguity.</li><li><strong>Adaptability and resilience</strong> — maintaining focus while embracing change.</li><li><strong>Self-mastery and a learning mindset</strong> — committing to personal growth and reflection.</li><li><strong>Emotional intelligence</strong> — leading with humility, empathy and listening.</li><li><strong>Galvanizing communication</strong> — inspiring action through clarity and consistency.</li></ul><p>The CEO role never has been more complex or more vital to the future of health care. As leaders confront a world of accelerating change, those who thrive will be the ones who adapt most effectively, lead most authentically and empower their organizations at every level, according to the report.</p><p>In the words of Advocate Health CEO Eugene A. Woods quoted in the report, the goal is to “culturally unleash a fearless curiosity and unshakable optimism” as the antidote to uncertainty.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/center" title="Visit the AHA Center for Health Innovation landing page."><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/logo-aha-innovation-center-color-sm.jpg" data-entity-uuid="7ade6b12-de98-4d0b-965f-a7c99d9463c5" alt="AHA Center for Health Innovation logo" width="721" height="130" data-entity- type="file" class="align-center"></a></p><p><a href="/center/form/innovation-subscription"><img src="/sites/default/files/2019-04/Market_Scan_Call_Out_360x300.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type alt width="360" height="300"></a></p></div></div></div>.field_featured_image { position: absolute; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0 0 0 0); height: 1px; width: 1px; margin: -1px; padding: 0; border: 0; } .featured-image{ position: absolute; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0 0 0 0); height: 1px; width: 1px; margin: -1px; padding: 0; border: 0; } h2 { color: #9d2235; } Tue, 08 Apr 2025 06:11:50 -0500 Leadership /news/headline/2025-03-06-nominate-candidates-now-so-they-can-apply-aha-next-generation-leaders-fellowship-march-31 <p>Hospitals and health systems are urged to nominate candidates as soon as possible for the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship so they can apply by the March 31 deadline. Candidates should be health care leaders expected to rise to the top of their fields in the next five to 10 years and are leading or on the verge of leading transformation efforts at department, organization, enterprise and/or system levels. View the nomination <a href="/center/next-generation-leaders-fellowship/nomination-form">form</a> for more information and to nominate a candidate.</p> Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:03:23 -0600 Leadership /news/headline/2025-02-18-aha-announces-recipients-2025-rural-health-leadership-award <p>The AHA today <a href="/press-releases/2025-02-18-aha-names-2025-rural-hospital-leadership-team-award-winner-and-finalists" target="_blank">announced</a> the team from Columbia Memorial Hospital, a critical access hospital in Astoria, Ore., is the 2024 recipient of the Rural Hospital Leadership Team Award. The award recognizes rural hospital leaders who guide their hospitals and communities through change and innovation.  <br> <br>Also recognized as finalists were teams at Atrium Health Lincoln in Lincoln, N.C.; Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, Ind.; and Summit Pacific Medical Center in Elma, Wash. <br> <br>The award will be presented at the 38th annual AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, taking place Feb. 23-26 in San Antonio.</p> Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:08:18 -0600 Leadership /news/headline/2025-02-18-obituary-former-aha-chair-david-reed <div><p paraid="200711321" paraeid="{bd918675-4450-4538-86d8-ad743bab528b}{41}">Longtime health care executive and former AHA Chair <a href="https://www.oconnormortuary.com/obituaries/david-andrew-reed/" target="_blank">David Reed</a> died last month at age 91.  </p></div><div><p paraid="1563247724" paraeid="{bd918675-4450-4538-86d8-ad743bab528b}{65}">Reed's career began at Cincinnati General Hospital, where he was an assistant administrator before becoming president of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City in 1979. He then served as CEO of Samaritan Health System, now Banner Health, in Arizona in 1989. The next year, he became AHA chair as well as CEO of St. Joseph Health System in Orange, Calif. He was later appointed chairman of the board for PacifiCare, where he served until his retirement in 2003.</p></div> Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:59:04 -0600 Leadership /news/headline/2025-02-14-obituary-renowned-health-care-author-and-futurist-ian-morrison <p>Ian Morrison, a highly regarded author, consultant and futurist, died last week. He specialized in long-term forecasting and planning with a particular emphasis on health care. Morrison was the 2018 recipient of AHA's Board of Trustees Award, which is presented to individuals or groups who have made substantial and noteworthy contributions to the work of the AHA, and was a long-time moderator and facilitator of the AHA Leadership Summit.   <br> <br>“Ian’s deep insights and keen observations on health care have helped enrich the AHA, America’s hospitals and health systems and the entire health care field,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “An author and speaker, Ian translated information into knowledge for countless hospital and health systems leaders. We have all benefited from his experience and innovative way of thinking.”  <br> <br>Throughout his career, Morrison worked with more than 100 Fortune 500 companies in health care, manufacturing, information technology and financial services. He was the author of “Healthcare in the New Millennium: Vision, Values and Leadership and The Second Curve — Managing the Velocity of Change,” a New York Times Business Bestseller and Business Week Bestseller. <br> <br>Morrison was a past director of the AHA’s Health Research and Educational Trust, the research and education arm of the association. He also was a board member of the Martin Luther King Community Hospital in Los Angeles, a past director of the Center for Health Design and a past director and chair of the California Health Care Foundation. <br> <br>“Ian was one of our field’s best friends,” said AHA President Emeritus Rich Umbdenstock, who worked closely with Morrison. “He supported the hospital mission wholeheartedly, gently bringing us back to center whenever the latest development distracted us 'a wee bit' too much. Using data-based assessments and firsthand experience with both governmental and market-oriented systems, Ian deployed a humble futurist orientation and his incredible sense of humor to make his counsel compelling and digestible. He and his many gifts will be missed by all.” <br> <br>Morrison served as president of the Institute for the Future from 1990 to 1996, where he was responsible for leading the organization's growth and success. He was also a founding partner of Strategic Health Perspectives, a joint venture between Harris Interactive and the Harvard University School of Public Health. </p> Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:08:55 -0600 Leadership