HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The local hospital has been named Kansas recipient of the Grassroots Champion Award, an annual designation from the American and Kansas Hospital Associations lauding the hospitals’ efforts in promoting the healthcare system’s legislative agenda with elected officials.
Rich Umbdenstock, President and CEO of the American Hospital Association, said the award recognized Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for their work in effectively delivering the hospital message to elected officials; helping broaden the base of community support for hospitals; and advocating tirelessly on behalf of patients, hospitals and communities.
Umbdenstock said the 50 state awards are made annually by the American Hospital Association at the recommendation of the respective state hospital associations.
“Hutchinson Regional Medical Center earned this special recognition through their dedication to the hospital mission, both on the local and national level,” Umbdenstock continued.
Kevin J. Miller, F.A.C.H.E., President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said the hospital’s involvement in public affairs is a necessity in the turbulent times facing healthcare.
“More and more decisions affecting our future and, in some cases, survival are made in the halls of Congress, in the nation’s Capital or in the corridors of the Kansas Statehouse,” Miller said. “Consequently, the leadership team at Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, along with the 1,350 healthcare professionals employed here, are proactive in expressing our side of the story to state and national leaders.”
“Along the way, other healthcare facilities have mirrored our actions and joined the debate,” Miller continued. “It is a significant achievement for our team to be recognized by the Kansas and American Hospital Associations for our stance in dealing with healthcare issues.”