President's Message

Posted: 7/24/26

This week, I want to speak directly to the more than 200,000 healthcare professionals working in and supporting OHA member hospitals across our state.

Your vote matters – and in the upcoming Republican gubernatorial runoff, it could matter more than ever.

Some are predicting that as few as 150,000 Republican voters will participate in the Aug. 25 runoff for governor. With turnout that low, this election could be decided by only a few hundred votes.

And the stakes for healthcare could not be higher.

Oklahoma’s hospitals and physicians are bracing for more than $7.7 billion in healthcare funding cuts approved by Congress. The leaders we elect, including our next governor and congressional delegation, will help determine how Oklahoma responds to these cuts and how we will protect access to care for generations to come in Oklahoma.

The candidates also differ on workplace violence, Medicaid expansion, rural healthcare, workforce investment and holding Medicaid managed care organizations accountable.

Through We Care, We Vote, OHA is launching an ambitious, nonpartisan campaign to help healthcare employees understand who the candidates are, where they stand on these issues, and when and where to vote.

I am asking every OHA member CEO to share these resources across your organization and encourage eligible employees to participate. We do not endorse candidates. Instead, we support civic engagement by providing information so healthcare professionals can make their own informed decisions.

When OHA provides a video message this this one, consider sharing it with your team members. Over the coming weeks, OHA will provide information to hospital leaders to cross promote and you will begin seeing social media postings on We Care, We Vote popping up on platforms across the state.

And please promote the Republican gubernatorial runoff debate sponsored by OHA and Griffin Media, airing statewide Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. OHA is bringing this important public service not only to our members, but the entire state.

Healthcare’s voice can make a difference, but only if we use it. Together, we can help shape Oklahoma’s future and continue our work to improve the health and healthcare of all Oklahomans.

President & CEO