/ en Fri, 25 Apr 2025 21:53:46 -0500 Mon, 14 Apr 25 14:35:38 -0500 /news/headline/2025-04-14-ashe-releases-2025-hospital-construction-survey <p>Achieving operational and survey readiness on day one is an issue that many health care facilities professionals continue to grapple with, according to findings from the 2025 Hospital Construction Survey conducted annually by the American Society for Health Care Engineering’s Health Facilities Management magazine. In addition to tracking yearly data on new construction, renovation, infrastructure and technology projects trending at health care organizations across the U.S., this year’s survey explores the myriad strategies hospitals use to ensure new projects operate as they were originally designed and examines the most common barriers facilities overcome to meet that goal. <a href="https://www.hfmmagazine.com/2025-hospital-construction-survey-results">READ MORE</a></p> Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:35:38 -0500 ASHE /news/headline/2024-03-27-ashe-receives-6th-consecutive-energy-star-sustained-excellence-award <p>The Environmental Protection Agency March 26 presented AHA’s American Society for Health Care Engineering with a <a href="https://www.ashe.org/ASHE-earns-sixth-consecutive-energy-star-sustained-excellence-award" target="_blank">2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year — Sustained Excellence Award</a>, the program’s highest honor, for its long-term commitment to fighting climate change and protecting public health through energy efficiency. ASHE has received the Sustained Excellence Award for six consecutive years and the Partner of the Year award for eight consecutive years.<br><br>“It’s an honor to accept this award on behalf of ASHE’s members, who are continuing to carry out the hard work of decarbonizing health care facilities,” said Kara Brooks, ASHE senior associate director of sustainability. “ASHE is excited to build upon its past successes to help hospitals across the country reach their sustainability goals.”</p> Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:35:34 -0500 ASHE /news/headline/2024-02-05-ashe-honors-hospitals-outstanding-renovation-infrastructure-projects <p>At its International Summit & Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design & Construction March 17-20 in San Diego, the American Society for Health Care Engineering will present <a href="https://www.ashe.org/awards/vista">2024 Vista Awards</a> to the Inova Fairfax (Va.) Medical Campus for its Tower Operation Room Renovation and to Hackensack (N.J.) University Medical Center for its Central Utility Plant. The Vista awards recognize collaboration in creating optimal health care environments. ASHE is an AHA professional membership group. </p> Mon, 05 Feb 2024 15:13:41 -0600 ASHE /news/headline/2023-11-28-ashe-conference-rebrand-wins-marketing-award <p>The AHA’s American Society for Health Care Engineering recently received a <a href="https://www.360livemedia.com/post/ashe-earns-marcom-gold-award-for-event-rebrand-by-360-live-media-and-smithbucklin" target="_blank">MarCom Gold Award</a> for excellence in marketing and communication for its <a href="https://www.ashe.org/education/health-care-facilities-innovation-conference" target="_blank">Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference</a>, the new name and brand for its annual conference.</p> <p>“At ASHE, we are committed to evolving and adapting to meet the changing needs of the physical environments where health care is delivered,” said ASHE Executive Director Lizzie Ortolano. “By partnering with 360 Live Media and Smithbucklin, we’re reimagining the conference experience to provide health care facility professionals with even more insights and experiences to excel at their job in these transformative times.”</p> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 14:23:04 -0600 ASHE /news/headline/2023-09-26-ashe-staffer-named-international-fire-code-committee <p>The board of directors for the International Code Council has <a href="https://www.ashe.org/jonathan-flannery-appointed-member-2024-international-fire-code-development-committee">named</a> Jonathan Flannery, senior associate director of advocacy for AHA’s American Society for Health Care Engineering, to a three-year term on the code development committee for the International Fire Code effective in January. ASHE Deputy Director Chad Beebe said the appointment reflects Flannery’s “commitment to public safety and well-deserved status as a leader in the field.” ASHE is an AHA professional membership group. </p> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:10:11 -0500 ASHE /news/headline/2023-07-12-blog-august-conference-highlights-vital-role-built-environment-patient-care <p>Health care engineering professionals will connect to explore new and emerging trends and long-standing issues at the AHA’s American Society for Health Care Engineering Annual Conference, Aug. 6-9 in San Antonio. <strong><a href="/news/blog/2023-07-12-ashe-annual-conference-highlights-vital-role-built-environment-patient-care" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></strong></p> Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:40:55 -0500 ASHE /news/blog/2023-07-12-ashe-annual-conference-highlights-vital-role-built-environment-patient-care <p>The <a href="https://www.ashe.org/ashe-annual?&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ashe-annual&utm_content=aha-today" target="_blank">American Society for Health Care Engineering Annual Conference</a> will be held Aug. 6-9 in San Antonio. This gathering allows professionals to connect, discuss new and emerging trends, and explore long-standing issues. Gordon Howie, regional director of facilities and construction services for the Mayo Clinic, and ASHE board president, underscores the crucial role that gatherings like the ASHE conference play in supporting professionals: <br />  <br /> <em>“The knowledge and connections I get during these ASHE conferences directly translate into improved efficiencies, cost-effectiveness, and overall quality of care within our hospital. Investing in attending the ASHE Annual Conference is an investment in the continuous improvement of our facilities, enabling us to provide the best possible environment for patients, visitors and staff.”</em> </p> <p>Former NFL player and American Ninja Warrior contestant Anthony Trucks will be this year’s keynote speaker.</p> <p>The AHA works diligently with <a href="https://www.ashe.org/?&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=homepage&utm_content=aha-today" target="_blank">ASHE</a> to promote, encourage and support the many professionals that ensure the built environment is safe, up-to-code, and comfortable for patients, their families, staff, care teams and stakeholders. The work of these professionals is a crucial part of health care and wellness. </p> <p>High-quality patient care begins before patients arrive at a health care setting. The environment, including the facilities and surrounding areas, creates a safe and satisfying experience for those seeking medical assistance. Engineers, HVAC technicians, construction managers, administrators, architects and others are part and parcel of the overall health care landscape. </p> <p>Their work is critical to maintaining a resilient and adaptive health care system and often includes pivotal operations. Many of these operations include heating and cooling systems, lighting, door operation and maintenance, high-traffic buildings and pathways design, window installation, elevators and more. These professionals collaborate to create environments that can withstand the elements, resist pathogens, encourage safe transit, and house critical machinery and systems for patients needing life-saving treatments. The work of professionals in the built environment ensures that patients are comfortable, have better experiences and higher levels of safety and satisfaction.  </p> <p>Lizzie Ortolano, executive director of ASHE and the <a href="https://www.ashrm.org/?&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=homepage" target="_blank">American Society for Health Care Risk Management</a>, explains that the careful crafting of health care facilities also includes attention to code and compliance. She states that many professionals working on built environments must understand the complex and evolving nature of laws, standards and requirements and integrate them to reflect cost-effective sensibilities. They must also work alongside various health care entities, create sustainable practices and craft projects with a specific focus and scope. </p> <p><em>“Facilities management professionals who create and maintain the built environment work tirelessly to ensure that compliance and safety requirements are centered, focusing on long-term sustainability. We [ASHE] and the AHA strive to provide a space for facilities managers to learn innovative, cost-saving and proactive strategies, while advocating to alleviate regulatory burden. The built environment is a fundamental part of the health care experience, and professionals should feel supported in this important endeavor.” - Lizzie Ortolano, Executive Director, ASHE & ASHRM</em> </p> <p>Facilities management functions as the collaborative center wherein they combine overlapping departmental objectives with a focus on saving costs, time and labor. Facility managers are critical in overseeing many processes while seeing the bigger picture.  </p> <p>They work hard to stay informed about emerging technologies and effective long-term strategies, leverage solid security measures, and manage risks to the facilities, staff, patients and stakeholders. They also play a role in the maintenance of machines and processes. This includes heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), fire monitoring, water management and the analysis of air quality. These systems are integral to facility operations.  </p> <p>Another critical aspect of facilities management includes a vision toward future practices and creating environmentally low-impact settings. As climate change issues converge in ways that continually affect communities, experts that devise health care maintenance plans and construction look for ways to reduce the carbon footprint and emissions. </p> <p>They often work with hospital administrators and others to create fiscally-sound plans that reduce the toll of facilities on the climate. ASHE and the AHA advise and extend educational opportunities for many of these professionals to stay up to date on the latest codes, regulations, and sustainable practices. </p> <p>If you’d like to know more about challenges in the built environment field or attend the annual conference, visit <a href="https://www.ashe.org/?&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=homepage&utm_content=aha-today" target="_blank">ASHE.org</a>.</p> <p><em>Deanna Martin is the ���������� Association's vice president for professional membership groups.</em></p> Wed, 12 Jul 2023 10:31:21 -0500 ASHE /news/chairpersons-file/2022-12-05-chair-file-advancing-health-america-opportunities-ahead-2023 <p>Turning the calendar to a new year brings some excitement as we look forward to new opportunities and adventures in our professional and personal lives.</p> <p>During such a challenging time in health care, keeping connected with colleagues across the country is critical. We can learn from each other and work together to amplify stories of how hospitals and health systems are fighting to protect care in our communities.</p> <p>The AHA team is planning a strong lineup of conferences and events for 2023 to keep health care leaders connected and highlight stories of impact, innovation and inspiration. Check out these opportunities in the year ahead:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://ruralconference.aha.org/" target="_blank">The 36th Annual AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference</a> convenes Feb. 19–22 in San Antonio. This two-and-a-half-day event will feature prominent leaders inside and outside health care who will offer unique perspectives and solution-oriented thinking to ensure a stronger rural health system. Registration is now open, and early bird registration ends Dec. 9.</li> <li><a href="https://annualmeeting.aha.org/" target="_blank">AHA Annual Membership Meeting</a>, April 23–25 in Washington, D.C., will give health care leaders an opportunity to meet face-to-face with elected officials and key policymakers. Together we can deliver a united, powerful message on the positive impacts of hospitals and health systems in our communities. Registration opens in January.</li> <li><a href="https://equityconference.aha.org/" target="_blank">The Accelerating Health Equity Conference</a>, led by the AHA Community Health Improvement network and AHA’s Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, will be May 16–18 in Minneapolis. This conference convenes health professionals focused on improving community health, well-being and equity. Registration opens February 2023.</li> <li><a href="https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/" target="_blank">AHA Leadership Summit</a>, July 16–18 in Seattle, brings together a diverse group of strategic and visionary health care leaders who represent excellence in the field and are working to boldly transform their organizations. Registration opens spring 2023.</li> <li>Rounding out these events are a variety of conferences led by the <a href="https://www.aonl.org/aonl-annual-conference">American Organization for Nursing Leadership</a> (AONL) and <a href="/pmgs">AHA’s professional membership groups</a>, designed to advance operational excellence within your organization.</li> </ul> <p>I encourage you to mark your 2023 calendar for these excellent opportunities as we work together to advance health in America.</p> Mon, 05 Dec 2022 08:08:11 -0600 ASHE /news/headline/2022-05-03-tool-prevent-infection-risk-during-health-care-facility-construction <p>The AHA’s American Society for Health Care Engineering recently updated its <a href="https://www.ashe.org/icra2">free tool</a> to help health care facilities assess and prevent infection risk during construction, renovation and maintenance. ASHE also sells an <a href="https://www.ashe.org/education/icra-elearning">online course</a> to help interdisciplinary teams apply the tool to the health care environment. ASHE is an AHA professional membership group.<br />  </p> Tue, 03 May 2022 15:43:29 -0500 ASHE /news/headline/2022-03-10-health-facilities-management-series-explores-climate-change-impacts <p>Health Facilities Management, the magazine for AHA’s American Society for Health Care Engineering, recently launched a series of <a href="https://www.hfmmagazine.com/climate_change">articles</a> exploring how climate change and climate events impact health care facilities and their planning, preparedness and response efforts. The initial articles look at the role of health care facilities in environmental equity; how one hospital prepared for the effects of extreme heat; and strategies for weathering cold temperatures and drought conditions. </p> Thu, 10 Mar 2022 14:49:08 -0600 ASHE