President's Message

Posted on: 6/19/26

 

This week, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your support of OHA's We Care, We Vote initiative and our efforts to encourage greater civic engagement across Oklahoma.

As many of you know, OHA partnered with Griffin Media to sponsor and promote the final Republican primary debate featuring the candidates seeking their party's nomination for governor. The response from Oklahomans was remarkable. More than 113,000 households across the Oklahoma City and Tulsa television markets tuned in to watch the debate, with an additional 37,000 viewers streaming the event online. The debate also won its time slot in both markets, demonstrating that Oklahomans are paying attention and are eager to learn more about the candidates and the issues facing our state.

The impact of We Care, We Vote extends well beyond a single debate. Through media coverage, public awareness efforts, and community engagement, the value of the earned and contributed media supporting this initiative has already exceeded $50,000. Most importantly, the campaign is helping elevate a conversation about the importance of participating in our democracy.

While we are still waiting on final voter turnout numbers, there are encouraging signs already. Early voting exceeded the levels seen during the comparable state primary election four years ago. We hope that trend continues as more Oklahomans recognize the importance of making their voices heard.

Our work is far from over. OHA and Griffin Media will continue this effort by sponsoring the Republican gubernatorial runoff debate and, later this fall, the final televised gubernatorial debate before the general election. That debate will take place on Oct. 1 and will be hosted live from the OHA Connect conference in Oklahoma City, bringing healthcare leaders and Oklahoma voters together for an important conversation about the future of our state.

Our goal has never been to influence how people vote, but to encourage them to participate. Hospitals are trusted institutions in every community we serve, and with that trust comes an opportunity to promote informed civic engagement.

Thank you for your support of We Care, We Vote. Together, we are helping strengthen our communities, elevate important conversations, and encourage greater participation in the democratic process.

Voting is advocacy in action and that is one important way to improve health and healthcare in Oklahoma.

Rich Rasmussen

President & CEO