(Honolulu)– American Hospital Association (AHA) in partnership with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH) awarded Michael Robinson, executive director of philanthropy and government relations at Hawai‘i Pacific Health, with the American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award. As a 2013 Grassroots Champion Robinson is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of a hospital’s mission.
The American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award was created to recognize those hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital, and who are tireless advocates for the hospital and its patients.
“We depend upon strong voices like Mike’s to help tell the story of hospitals as cornerstones of the communities they serve,” said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO. “This award is a small token of our appreciation for his hard work and dedication to improving health and health care in America.”
Robinson credits his grass-roots success to his many partners and stakeholders who, like Hawai‘i Pacific Health, are concerned about the current and future state of health care in Hawai‘i, and are willing to work together toward their shared goal.
“The issues we confront as a nonprofit health care provider often do not have solutions that can be found within the marketplace,” said Ginny Pressler, Hawai‘i Pacific Health executive vice president of strategic business development. “Mike’s approach to advocacy is particularly effective in our island community where identifying and developing long-term relationships with key stakeholders—both in the community and within the Legislature—is critical to our shared success.”
“Mike has made significant contributions to shaping health care through legislation and advocacy,” said George Greene, Esq., president and CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH). “Mike is a longtime active member of HAH’s Government Relations Committee, serving as chair last year, and his contributions are extremely valued.”
The award is presented annually to one individual from each state with winners being chosen by the state association. Robinson was recognized at HAH’s Annual Meeting today.
About the American Hospital Association (AHA)
The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 42,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA Web site at www.aha.org.
About the Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH)
The Healthcare Association of Hawaii has been the leading voice of health care since 1939.
The Healthcare Association of Hawaii’s 122 member organizations include all of the acute care hospitals in Hawaii, the majority of long term care facilities, nearly all hospice providers, nearly every home health agency, durable medical equipment and home infusion suppliers, and other health care providers such as air and ground ambulance, blood bank and respiratory therapy.
About Hawai‘i Pacific Health
Hawai‘i Pacific Health is a nonprofit health care system and the state’s largest health care provider, committed to providing the highest quality medical care and service to the people of Hawai‘i and the Pacific Region through its four hospitals, more than 50 outpatient clinics and service sites, and more than 1,600 affiliated physicians. The system is anchored by its four nonprofit hospitals: Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Clinic & Hospital, and Wilcox Memorial Hospital. They have leading strategic initiatives in women’s health, pediatric care, cardiovascular services, cancer care and bone and joint services. Hawai‘i Pacific Health ranks among the top five percent of hospitals nationwide in the adoption of electronic medical records, with system-wide implementation that allows its hospitals and physicians to offer integrated, coordinated care throughout the state. Learn more at: http://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org.