On this episode, I talk with Joanne M. Conroy, M.D., CEO and president of Dartmouth Health. Conroy also is the Chair-elect Designate of the AHA Board of Trustees.
Rural Health Care Leadership Conference News Coverage
The American Hospital Association’s 2022 Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, February 6-9, Phoenix, AZ, brings together top practitioners and thinkers to share strategies and resources for accelerating the shift to a more integrated and sustainable rural health system. We’ll examine the most significant operational, financial and environmental challenges including the post-pandemic impact on rural hospitals and their communities, and present innovative approaches that will enable you to transform your organization’s care delivery model and business practices.
Couldn’t attend AHA’s 2022 Rural Health Care Leadership Conference? No problem. Follow along here for updates, and follow along on social media using hashtag #AHARuralHealth for more.
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by Wright L. Lassiter III, Chair, American Hospital Association
As an increasing number of rural hospitals have been forced to shut their doors for good, difficult choices face those that remain open. Get the read on the current landscape from Jeff Subler, president and CEO of Wayne HealthCare in Greenville, Ohio, which serves a rural and agricultural population of 50,000.
Public and private entities may apply through Jan. 6 for up to $100,000 each to plan and develop integrated health care networks to expand access to basic health care services, coordinate and improve care and outcomes, and advance health equity for rural underserved populations.
The House today voted 230-201 to pass a continuing resolution extending current federal funding levels for health care and other programs through Dec. 16. The Senate approved the measure yesterday. Current government funding expires at midnight tonight.
by Wright L. Lassiter III, Chair, American Hospital Association
On this episode, I talk with Peggy Abbott, CEO of Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden, Ark.
by Rick Pollack, President and CEO, AHA
Forty-six days from now on Nov. 8 millions of Americans will cast their ballots and exercise their most sacred right – the right to vote.
by Rick Pollack, President and CEO, AHA
This week’s observance of Labor Day reminds us of the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being.
A new report from the AHA highlights the variety of causes that resulted in 136 rural hospital closures from 2010 to 2021, and a record 19 closures in 2020 alone. These include many longstanding pressures, such as low reimbursement, staffing shortages, low patient volume and regulatory barriers, as well as the continued financial challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
New AHA-supported legislation was introduced today by Reps. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., and Terri Sewell, D-Ala., to extend the Medicare-dependent hospital program and low-volume hospital adjustment, which both serve as critical lifelines for rural hospitals. The Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals (ARCH) Act would extend each for five years. In its letter of support to the sponsors of the ARCH Act, AHA highlighted rural hospitals’ important roles in the communities they serve and the bill’s ability to support these efforts.
AHA, in comments today to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, voiced support for the agency’s new rural emergency hospital designation, particularly its potential value in the area of maternal health. “It is undeniable that access to maternal and child care services is lacking in certain areas of the country, including many rural communities,” AHA wrote.
by Wright L. Lassiter III, Chair, American Hospital Association
On this episode, I talk with Julie Yaroch, D.O., president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital in Adrian, Mich. Julie and I talk about the issues that rural hospitals face, including workforce shortages, increased costs of care, and an aging population.
AHA's John Supplitt and Aisha Syeda joined the Rural Health Information Hub’s Exploring Rural Health podcast to discuss rural health care challenges and solutions.
HRSA yesterday released another $450 million in American Rescue Plan Act payments to rural health care providers.
AHA today launched a new suite of resources for rural health care leaders, including an on-demand webinar and playbook.
by Rick Pollack
Courage. Compassion. Workforce. Health equity. Heroes. Challenges. Innovation. Community partnerships. Leadership. Opportunities. These were some of the most common words we heard from attendees and speakers talking about our field at this week’s AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Join the AHA April 28 at 2 p.m. ET for a virtual discussion with rural hospital leaders and board members.
Join the AHA April 28 at 2 p.m. ET for a discussion with rural hospital leaders and board members.
The need to improve maternal and child health equity in America while reducing access disparities has become a national focus. As policymakers and provider organizations continue to seek ways to reverse these trends, hospitals and health systems are stepping up with innovative efforts.
The grants are the first awards from $475 million in emergency grants authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, last week introduced a Senate companion to the Rural Hospital Support Act.