Advancing Health in America

Advancing Health in America / en Sat, 26 Apr 2025 10:33:31 -0500 Tue, 11 Feb 25 08:37:07 -0600 Chair File: Building Trust in Today’s Environment /news/chairpersons-file/2025-02-11-chair-file-building-trust-todays-environment Edelman recently released its <a href="https://www.edelman.com/trust/2025/trust-barometer" target="_blank" title="2025 Trust Barometer">2025 Trust Barometer</a> titled “Trust and the Crisis of Grievance,” and it couldn’t be more timely. Trust — in one another, our hospitals and health systems, our communities and our government — feels more important than ever.The AHA knows how important public trust and confidence are to advancing the health of all individuals and communities. In fact, we included it as one of the principles in our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, which was built on listening to feedback from our members. The plan is designed to tackle trust and other key issues so hospitals and health systems can continue to be places where our communities can go for healing, no matter what.The Edelman report explored how fear has turned into polarization and, in turn, into grievance. Many people feel a sense of grievance, not just with health care but with the government, media and other fields. However, rebuilding trust isn’t impossible. It starts by listening and taking action.The foundation of listening is seeking to understand. Our communities and patients want to feel seen and heard. Our teams want to feel valued and supported in the extraordinary care they provide.However, listening on its own isn’t enough. We need to take that feedback on what’s working and what isn’t and create better experiences for those providing and receiving care. We can also help proactively build trust by sharing stories of our incredible work and the people we serve with the AHA team and with legislators.We need our local and national leaders to understand how critical our work is to our communities. Equipping the AHA with stories empowers them to better advocate for our hospitals and health systems so we can serve our neighbors who are our stakeholders.Every one of our hospitals and health systems is here for their community despite the challenges they face, making sure that everyone has access to the care they need. And we’re not going anywhere.Now is the time to listen. Now is the time to act. And now is the time to rebuild trust in one another. Our neighbors are counting on us.Helping You Help Communities: Key AHA Resources<ul><li><a href="/ahas-2025-2027-strategic-plan" target="_blank" title="AHA&apos;s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan">AHA’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan</a></li><li><a href="/tellingthehospitalstory" target="_blank" title="Telling the Hospital Story">Telling the Hospital Story</a>&nbsp;</li></ul> Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:37:07 -0600 Advancing Health in America Chair File: Hospitals’ Unwavering Work and Commitment to Advance Health in America /news/chairpersons-file/2024-12-09-hospitals-unwavering-work-and-commitment-advance-health-america Each and every hospital and health system across the country has powerful and inspiring stories of hope, healing and health to tell.That’s because the people working at America’s hospitals are always there, providing 24/7 lifesaving and emergency care to every person who comes through their doors. They deliver world-class, convenient and accessible care to keep patients healthy and partner with communities to address the social drivers of health.&nbsp;Miracles happen every day in our hospitals and in our communities because of the amazing work and dedication of health care teams and community partners.This year, while serving as chair of the AHA Board of Trustees, I’ve had the privilege to travel across the nation and talk with many hospital and health system leaders who are advancing health for patients and communities through research, innovation and just plain roll-up-your-sleeves hard work. Their stories are inspiring, heartening and motivating.&nbsp;At the same time, we know that our health care system and our country continue to face many challenges. The costs of labor, drugs and supplies continue to strain resources at many hospitals and health systems. Ongoing workforce shortages persist, and reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid don’t cover the costs of providing care. Excessive regulatory requirements and actions by commercial insurance companies make it harder for providers to deliver necessary, convenient and coordinated care to patients.We have made progress on many of these issues this year —&nbsp;see the <a href="/system/files?file=media/file/2024/10/The-Value-of-AHA-Membership-October-2024.pdf" target="_blank" title="AHA Value of Membership Report 2024">AHA’s 2024 Value of Membership report</a> for some highlights. But we also know that there is much more work to do on these issues, and many more, in 2025 and beyond.It has been an honor serving as AHA board chair this year, and I appreciate the trust you’ve placed in me in this leadership role. As I pass the torch, please join me in welcoming Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO of Corewell Health, as the 2025 chair. Tina is a strong and inspiring leader, and I look forward to supporting her in the year ahead.Sir Winston Churchill said, “Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.” Hospitals and health systems across the U.S. are vital to ensuring the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. In an ever-changing landscape, our collective commitment to advance health in America is unwavering. Our stories are America’s stories of hope, healing and health that happen every hour of every day at every hospital and health system. As 2024 draws to a close, we can be proud of the work we do to honor our legacy and inspire our future. Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:38:32 -0600 Advancing Health in America Chair File: Supporting the Board’s Pivotal Role in Advancing Health /news/chairpersons-file/2024-12-02-chair-file-supporting-boards-pivotal-role-advancing-health As the health care field has evolved, so has health care governance. Besides fulfilling traditional fiduciary responsibilities like approving budgets, today’s hospital and health system board members are collaborating with leadership to address workforce shortages, recommend ways to mitigate cybersecurity risks, discuss the pros and cons of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, and provide strategic guidance on quality, safety and many other critical issues.I’ve seen firsthand that effective board members care deeply about the role of hospitals and health systems, not only in providing quality care to patients and families but also in serving their communities. Serving on a board is an awesome responsibility that requires a commitment of time and talent and a fierce sense of duty. In turn, it’s the responsibility of hospital leadership to build a strong board and support board members so they are knowledgeable about the organization and the entire health care field.Strong boards are diverse — in gender, age, race, experience and expertise — and reflect the communities they serve. Strong boards foster a culture that encourages members to discuss their different experiences and perspectives and to leverage those differences toward shared goals and solutions. These boards also prioritize continuous learning about the organization, the health needs of the community and the complex issues in health care.The AHA supports good governance and offers an array of resources for hospital leadership teams, covering everything from <a href="https://trustees.aha.org/boardroom-101" target="_blank" title="AHA Trustee Services Boardroom 101: Key Strategies and Practical Tools for Orienting New Board Members">orienting new board members</a> to the <a href="/news/blog/2023-11-08-boards-role-quality-oversight-and-patient-safety">board’s role in quality and patient safety</a> to building a <a href="https://trustees.aha.org/building-governing-board-strategy-diversity-and-health-equity" target="_blank" title="AHA Trustee Services: Building a Governing Board Strategy on Diversity and Health Equity">governing board strategy on diversity and health equity</a>. <a href="https://trustees.aha.org/" target="_blank" title="AHA Trustee Services homepage">AHA Trustee Services</a> serves as the hub for efforts to help hospital and health system leaders and board members navigate the transforming health care landscape.Boards play a pivotal role in ensuring a health care organization’s strategies and budgets result in actions that drive performance, impact and measurable progress. I applaud those who currently serve or have served on a hospital or health system board at the smallest community hospitals to the biggest urban medical centers. Thank you for your dedication and work in helping advance health and health care for patients and families. Great boards are the backbone of our success. Mon, 02 Dec 2024 11:30:31 -0600 Advancing Health in America Chair File: Thank You This Week and Every Day to Our Incredible Health Care Workforce /news/chairpersons-file/2024-11-25-chair-file-thank-you-week-and-every-day-our-incredible-health-care-workforce In October 1863, in the middle of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln decreed that Thanksgiving be held across the U.S. to “heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it … soon.” In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed that the U.S. would celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.During tumultuous times, expressing gratitude and giving thanks are more important than ever. As a health care leader, I am grateful on Thanksgiving — and every day of the year — for the people working at our nation’s hospitals and health systems.I’m grateful for the extraordinary expanse of care and treatment delivered by health care professionals and teams at hospitals and health systems. Their skill, commitment and sacrifices keep individuals and communities healthy in so many ways. They are the people:&nbsp;<ul><li>Healing body and mind — think of the clinical teams delivering cutting-edge medical procedures and providing behavioral health care — with innovative treatments and therapies.</li><li>Providing preventive care.</li><li>Ensuring a clean and safe environment for treatment.</li><li>Offering nutritious meals every day to patients, families and staff.</li><li>Connecting patients and families with community resources to address social needs.</li></ul>And when public health emergencies occur — such as natural disasters or mass violence incidents — health care professionals are ready 24/7/365 to provide care and comfort, even while their own lives and loved ones are affected.Please join me in giving our heartfelt thanks to those working at hospitals and health systems across our nation for providing compassionate care, saving countless lives and improving the quality of life for countless others. The AHA has developed <a href="/forevergrateful" title="Download files">downloadable social media graphics and sample posts</a> for thanking people working at a local hospital or health system, using the hashtag #ForeverGrateful.Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving and peaceful holiday season ahead.&nbsp;&nbsp; Mon, 25 Nov 2024 11:26:37 -0600 Advancing Health in America Leadership Dialogue — Advancing Health Care Innovation with Amy Perry, President and CEO of Banner Health /news/chairpersons-file/2024-11-18-leadership-dialogue-advancing-health-care-innovation-amy-perry-president-and-ceo-banner In this Leadership Dialogue, I talk with Amy Perry, president and CEO of Banner Health, based in Phoenix. Before joining Banner Health three years ago, Amy held leadership roles at Atlantic Health System in northern New Jersey, LifeBridge Health in Baltimore, and Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida.We had a great conversation about how hospitals and health systems are advancing innovation and using technology to transform patient care and improve health outcomes.It was fascinating to learn from Amy how the Banner Health team prioritizes collecting and organizing quality data and harnesses technology to “do all the tedious work” so clinicians can strengthen interactions with patients. Banner Health is building partnerships that explore how to use emerging technology to improve health outcomes for individuals and communities.I hope you find these conversations thought provoking and useful. Look for them once a month as part of the Chair File.Watch the episode here.<a href="https://youtu.be/jlnpFa4yYPE"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/leadership-dialogue-conroy-perry-watch-now-630x320-11-18-2024.jpg" data-entity-uuid="5e708155-099a-4108-892f-a90f8ca3c4f7" data-entity-type="file" alt="Leadership Dialogue Video Watch Now Image" width="630" height="320"></a> Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:04:06 -0600 Advancing Health in America Chair File: Connecting, Learning and Collaborating to Advance Health in America /news/chairpersons-file/2024-03-04-chair-file-connecting-learning-and-collaborating-advance-health-america Communication. Teamwork. Unity. That’s what helps drive health care innovation, accelerates health equity, improves health outcomes and advances health in our communities.At last month’s <a href="https://ruralconference.aha.org/" target="_blank" title="AHA rural Health Care Leadership Conference Web site">AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference</a>, I had the opportunity to hear from members about the incredible value of such events — where the best minds in our field gather to connect, learn and collaborate to address the challenges facing hospitals and health systems, regardless of size or location.There will be more opportunities over the next few months for knowledge exchange and collaboration at in-person AHA events:<a href="https://annualmeeting.aha.org/" target="_blank" title="AHA Annual Membership Meeting web site. ">AHA’s Annual Membership Meeting</a>, April 14–16, in Washington, D.C., is the nation’s leading conference for hospital and health system leaders advancing health in America. You will hear from policymakers, legislators and thought leaders on the most pressing issues facing our field. With a focus on AHA’s key advocacy priorities, these three days of programming will give health care leaders what’s needed to make our voices heard on Capitol Hill.<a href="https://equityconference.aha.org/" target="_blank" title="Accelerating Health Equity Conference">Accelerating Health Equity Conference</a>, May 7–9, in Kansas City, Mo., focuses a lens on the systemic drivers that have resulted in disproportionate health outcomes across different patient populations. The conference brings together professionals focused on improving community and population health, building partnerships, and increasing diversity and inclusion in hospital leadership and governance.<a href="https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/" target="_blank" title="AHA Leadership Summit">AHA Leadership Summit</a>, July 21–23, in San Diego brings together a diverse community of strategic and visionary leaders who represent excellence in the field as they boldly transform their organizations. The summit’s key themes — Lead, Connect, Transform — help guide hospital and health system leaders, clinicians and trustees in delivering better care and greater value, ensuring financial stability, addressing workforce challenges and more.Visit <a href="/calendar" target="_blank" title="AHA web site.">AHA.org</a> for details on other conferences, events and learning opportunities throughout the year.It is vitally important that we continue to speak with one another, exchange ideas and remain unified not only in addressing these challenges but also in presenting our challenges and solutions to lawmakers and to the public.Be sure to check out these events. Hope to see you there! Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:56:05 -0600 Advancing Health in America Chair File: Advancing Health and Quality Care in Rural Communities /news/chairpersons-file/2024-02-12-chair-file-advancing-health-and-quality-care-rural-communities The mission of all hospitals and health systems, regardless of size and location, is to provide quality care to patients and advance health in their communities.For the 61 million people who live in rural America, their local hospital provides essential services and programs to advance their health and the health of their communities. In fact, rural hospitals also play a very important role in the economic and social fabric of their communities.This morning at the <a href="https://ruralconference.aha.org/" target="_blank" title="AHA Rural Health Leadership Conference Website">AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference</a>, I spoke about the critical role of rural hospitals and health systems in their communities, the challenges they face, and the solutions we can advance to support access to care in those communities.As the leader of Dartmouth Health, one of the very most rural academic medical centers in the country, I see the challenges for rural residents and rural hospitals firsthand every day. Our challenges are similar to those at other hospitals and health systems across the country. Issues like poverty, lack of transportation, lack of housing and child care, limited access to and coverage of essential health services, government underpayment for care services, and workforce shortages are a little more difficult to navigate in rural areas. It comes down to the impact these issues are having on health equity.But I also see the commitment and hard work of health care professionals continuing to deliver world class care despite enormous pressures.This is an important year for advancing advocacy priorities that support rural hospitals and the patients and communities they serve. Tomorrow at the Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, AHA leaders will outline the association’s Rural Advocacy Agenda. It focuses on enacting policies that will bolster the health care workforce; enhancing telehealth services; protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program; and addressing underpayment by the government and commercial insurance plans, as well as inappropriate denials for medically necessary care — just to name a few. These all represent critical lifelines for sustainability in delivering care in the rural community.I’m extremely energized to see more than 1,000 people, including trustees, physician executives, nursing administrators, public health officials and community leaders, at this year’s conference. During the next three days, visionary rural health care leaders will share actionable strategies and resources aimed at improving access to care, leveraging unique workforce approaches, implementing digital technologies and prioritizing health equity.This week’s conference, like many other AHA events throughout the year, provides an opportunity to discuss challenges, learn from each other and find solutions. Working together we can protect and enhance access to care, accelerate innovation and advance health for the patients and communities we serve. Mon, 12 Feb 2024 09:41:33 -0600 Advancing Health in America Chair File: Continuing to Advance Health Today and in the Future /news/chairpersons-file/2023-12-11-chair-file-continuing-advance-health-today-and-future This year marked the AHA’s 125th year as an advocate in the health care field for hospitals and health systems and their patients, health care professionals and communities.It’s difficult to predict what the future of health care will hold. Consider how our field has changed in just the past five years — from navigating a global pandemic to exploring the potential of artificial intelligence in helping diagnose and treat patients.I’m optimistic about the future and the next generation of leaders, innovators and researchers transforming the field in ways we cannot even imagine now.Working with and alongside thousands of organizations and individuals this year, the AHA has provided leadership and resources to deliver better care and greater value; advocate for the financial stability of hospitals and health systems; address workforce challenges; and enhance health care innovation. Also part of AHA’s work is continuing to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice; expand behavioral health services; and use data in innovative ways to improve care. And there are so many more ways the association works every day on your behalf to support our field.Throughout this past year, I have enjoyed meeting so many of you at AHA conferences, meetings and other events. Together we have tackled pressing challenges in the field, seized opportunities for innovation and transformation, and shared positive stories with policymakers and the public about the incredible impact of hospitals and health systems.It’s been an honor serving as AHA board chair in 2023. And the AHA is in excellent hands as I turn over the board chair reigns to Joanne Conroy, M.D., president and CEO of Dartmouth Health. I know Joanne will be a strong leader as the AHA works to advance health in America.As I’ve noted before: Hospitals and health systems come in all shapes and sizes. But at the end of the day, we all are connected by our shared commitment and vision. Caring for each person who walks through our doors is our daily sacred mission. The AHA will continue to support and strengthen the field, working to ensure the health and well-being of individuals and communities — today and in the years ahead. Mon, 11 Dec 2023 10:38:58 -0600 Advancing Health in America AHA podcast: Strategies for Building Powerful Community Partnerships /news/headline/2023-03-15-aha-podcast-strategies-building-powerful-community-partnerships Kate Blackburn, director of practice and prevention at Nemours Children’s Health, describes a new tool that can help hospitals and health systems identify the most impactful partnerships to drive progress and advance health. <a href="/advancing-health-podcast/2023-03-15-strategies-building-powerful-community-partnerships?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aha-today" target="_blank">LISTEN NOW</a> Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:03:12 -0500 Advancing Health in America AHA podcast: The Future of Family Caregiving /news/headline/2023-01-13-aha-podcast-future-family-caregiving The final episode in a four-part series on Caring for Family Caregivers, this podcast features two experts from Ventura County, Calif., who discuss how hospital and community partnerships can innovate to provide family caregivers with greater support as the U.S. population of older adults continues to grow. <a href="/advancing-health-podcast/2023-01-13-caring-family-caregivers-part-4-future-family-caregiving" target="_blank">LISTEN NOW</a> Fri, 13 Jan 2023 15:12:32 -0600 Advancing Health in America