Perspective
Perspective is a weekly blog from Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the 黑料正能量 Association, that explores the most important issues facing hospitals and health systems.
Despite unprecedented challenges this year, hospitals and health systems can be proud of the job they do each and every day to care for our families, our friends and our neighbors.
Challenges. Resilience. Innovation. Opportunities.
These four words help describe the current environment facing our hospitals and health systems 鈥 nearly three years into a pandemic that has transformed the nation鈥檚 health care landscape and our society.
As Congress convenes for its post-election lame-duck session, we are turning up the pressure to secure additional support for hospitals and the patients and communities they serve. We need to put on a full-court press 鈥 and that includes all of us reaching out to our senators and representatives 鈥斺
For more than 400 years, we have paused each fall to give thanks. We do so during good times and bad because most years bring a mixture of both.
This year, our world, our nation and our field face many difficult challenges. But that鈥檚 why it鈥檚 so important that we take the time to express our鈥
The news is filled daily with accounts of conflict around the globe 鈥 notably Russia鈥檚 war against Ukraine, but other potential clashes bubble near the surface, such as military action by China against Taiwan, or a North Korean missile aimed at Japan.
We cannot know for sure what this unsettled鈥
There are many significant milestones in our nation鈥檚 history of voting.
After Election Day, lawmakers will return to Washington to consider many important issues, including funding the government, the annual must-pass defense bill, hurricane aid, election reform and tax extenders.
The health care field continues to be a top target for cybercriminals. According to data from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), there has been an 84% increase in the number of data breaches against health care organizations from 2018-2021, with 324 reported in the first half of鈥
That commitment to being always there and ready to care is being tested as hospitals and health systems navigate historic workforce shortages, broken supply chains, rapid inflation that has increased the cost of caring, and other severe financial pressures that could jeopardize access to care.
The AHA is committed to helping hospitals and health systems support their people today, prepare them for tomorrow and build a pathway for the future.