AHA report offers strategies to ensure access to care in vulnerable communities

Posted on: 11/30/16


The AHA has released a report offering hospital leaders nine innovative ways to preserve access to essential health services in vulnerable rural and urban communities. Strategies range from integrating rural hospitals with health clinics in the community to using technology to provide 24/7 care in isolated areas.

“Many hospitals face challenges maintaining access to health care services in their communities and this report provides a pathway to ensure every hospital has an opportunity to be an access point and an anchor of service,” AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said at a Washington, D.C., press briefing. “The strategies outlined in this report can serve as a roadmap for all communities as hospitals begin to redefine how they provide more integrated care.”

The report’s release culminates 15 months of work by the AHA’s 29-member Task Force on Ensuring Access in Vulnerable Communities. Task force chairman Bob Henkel, president and CEO of Ascension Healthcare, said the report recognizes that the “solution to improved care is not ‘one size fits all,’ and we must continue to take into account the unique needs of individuals in both urban and rural areas.”

Federal policymakers, some of whom provided input to the task force, “also are looking for solutions to these problems,” noted AHA Chairman Jim Skogsbergh, president and CEO of Advocate Health Care. “We are all in this together. There is a lot more work to be done, and the AHA is here to help.” (AHA News Now, Nov. 29, 2016)

Save the dates for OHA 2022 events

Posted on: 2/18/22


It’s a new year and a new lineup of important events for you and your staff. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to engage in advocacy, education and networking all year long. Mark your calendar now!

OHA Advocacy Day - Tuesday, April 5, Oklahoma History Center. Join us for our annual legislative day. We will begin with a member briefing at 3 p.m., followed by a legislative reception at 5 p.m. Watch for registration materials soon.

OHA-PAC Golf Tournament - Tuesday, June 21, Jimmie Austin Golf Club at OU, Norman. Time and details TBA.

OHA Health Care Leaders Forum - Tuesday, July 19 - Thursday, July 21, Shangri-La Resort, Grand Lake. Watch for registration soon!

OHA Connect 22 - Wednesday, Nov. 9 - Friday, Nov. 11, Oklahoma City Convention Center and Omni Hotel, downtown Oklahoma City. Plan now to attend OHA’s annual conference and exhibit hall. More details to come.

Details on these events and other upcoming education opportunities will be available on the OHA website.