Advancing Health

The Emergence of Advanced Practice Providers Nov 01, 2024

Even a few decades ago, non-physician practitioners, also called advanced practice providers (APPs), barely existed in the health care industry. Today, APPs are found practically everywhere. In this conversation, Michelle Schweitzer, NP, executive director of advanced practice providers at WakeMed, discusses the growing role her APP colleagues play in health care delivery, and how the rise of these unique caregivers benefits both patients and providers.

Leadership Dialogue Series: The Delicate Dance of Integration with Tom Priselac Oct 30, 2024

Health system integration is one of the many ways hospitals can meet the mission of advancing health, and there can be wide-ranging benefits – from enhanced economies of scale to pooled capabilities. In this Leadership Dialogue conversation, Tom Priselac, president and CEO emeritus of Cedars-Sinai, discusses overseeing 30 years of growth and integration at the health system, and the perspectives required to integrate across multiple care areas.

This is an edited conversation. To watch the full video version, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_PsrrmpsAc

Planning for Resiliency in the IV Fluid Supply Chain Oct 28, 2024

As Baxter strives to restart its production of critical IV fluids in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, hospitals and health systems nationwide are reviewing and reevaluating their responses to current and future supply chain disruptions. In this conversation, Mark Taylor, M.D., surgical director for surgical operations at Cleveland Clinic, discusses the health system's ongoing IV fluid conservation strategies and the importance of constant and targeted communication during supply chain shortages.

From Ian to Milton: Lessons Learned in Hurricane Response Oct 25, 2024

With numerous care locations across Florida, Lee Health has endured three major hurricanes over the past two years: Hurricane Ian in the fall of 2022, and more recently, Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In this conversation, Scott Nygaard, M.D., chief operating officer at Lee Health, discusses the impact these natural disasters have had on the organization, and how their emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts have helped guide continued care for both patients and caregivers.

This podcast was produced through the Convening Leaders for Emergency and Response (CLEAR) initiative. To learn more, visit: https://www.aha.org/aha-clear

Presented as part of Cooperative Agreement HITEP210047, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The Health Research & Educational Trust, an American Hospital Association 501(c)(3) nonprofit subsidiary, is a proud partner of this Cooperative Agreement. The contents of this publication are solely the responsibility of the Health Research & Educational Trust and its partners and does not necessarily represent the official policies or views of the Department of Health and Human Services or of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. Further, any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Questions Board Members Should Be Asking to Address Vulnerabilities Oct 23, 2024

Hospital and health system boards are always looking to solve the most pressing challenges in health care. Asking the right questions and providing proper guidance can help establish plans to combat these issues. In this conversation, James Liggins, Jr., senior counsel at Warner Norcross + Judd, and vice chair of the board of directors at Bronson Healthcare, discusses his work developing a tool for board members that allows them to effectively understand and address areas of concern for their organizations.

Unifying Health Care Employees to Implement Patient-Focused Improvements Oct 21, 2024

Jefferson Health was a finalist for the AHA's 2024 Quest for Quality Prize, which celebrates hospitals and health systems that are committed to providing exceptional safe, and patient- and family-centered care. In this conversation, Jefferson Health's Cara Martino, DNP, R.N., enterprise vice president of clinical improvement and transformation, and Trish Henwood, M.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer, discuss the organization's ever-growing patient population, and how an innovative platform is keeping employees unified when identifying and implementing patient-focused improvements.

To learn more about the AHA's Quest for Quality prize visit, https://www.aha.org/about/awards/quest-for-quality

Strategies for Creating an Effective and Diverse Board Oct 18, 2024

For health care organizations, recruitment and diversity for the board of trustees is vitally important. In this conversation, Schonay Barnett-Jones, trustee at Children’s National Hospital and AHA board member, discusses strategies for recruiting a diverse board of trustees to any health care organization, and how to engage and retain the next generation of future board members.

To learn more about the American Hospital Association's Trustee Services, please visit https://trustees.aha.org/

The Critical Need for Resource Conservation Plans in the Face of Disasters Oct 16, 2024

The recent Hurricane Helene disrupted the production and supply of IV fluids — a reminder of our nation’s fragile health care supply chain. In this conversation, Michael Schiller, executive director of the Association for Health Care Resource & Materials Management (AHRMM), and Michael Ganio, senior director of pharmacy practice and quality with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), discuss the need to create a conservation plan for critical patient supplies that could be threatened by a disaster.

Haircuts and Health Checks: A Barbershop Partners with Indiana University Health Oct 14, 2024

Customers at All in the Wrists barbershop in Indianapolis don't just get a haircut and beard trim at their appointment — they also receive blood pressure checks for hypertension, diabetes education, and important resources to assist with health care barriers. In this conversation, Marvin Taylor, owner of All in the Wrists, and Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, M.D., vice president and chief health equity officer at Indiana University Health, discuss the importance of barbershops in the African American community, and how community health workers inside these barbershops are providing valuable health care and education.

To see the video on IU Health and All in the Wrists partnership, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYGawZ34n9s

The Intersection of Health Care and Community with the 2024 Foster G. McGaw Prize Finalists Oct 11, 2024

Englewood Health and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital were both finalists of the AHA's 2024 Foster G. McGaw Prize, which recognizes the efforts of hospitals and health systems to improve the health and well-being of their communities. In this conversation, Andres Nieto, director of community health outreach and marketing with NewYork-Presbyterian, and Jamie Ketas, vice president of population health with Englewood Health, discuss how communities and health systems can intersect to improve quality of life, and how solutions can target populations with specific health care barriers.

Access and Awareness for Mental Health Support Services Oct 09, 2024

Creating mental health resources is an important "step one" in broadening patient access. Step two? Getting people to take advantage of that access. In this conversation, Gaurava Agarwal, M.D., chief wellness executive at Northwestern Medicine, shares how the health system approached access awareness within its communities, and the steps needed to ensure that mental health support services are available.

Designing Pregnancy Care to Meet the Needs of Hispanic Families Oct 07, 2024

October is National Hispanic Heritage Month. In this conversation, Jennifer Cohen, M.D., medical director of Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, King of Prussia, and Katie Costantini, director of maternal care services at Chester County Hospital, discuss the barriers that can affect maternal care in Hispanic populations, and how deploying bilingual volunteers provided the opportunity to learn what worked and what could be be improved.

Data Helps Drive DEI Efforts at Hackensack Meridian Health Oct 04, 2024

While each organization charts its own unique DEI path, being able to track effectiveness is a key component to providing safe and equitable care. In this "Safety Speaks" conversation, Hackensack Meridian Health's Avonia Richardson-Miller, senior vice president and chief diversity officer, and Rajan Gurunathan, M.D., vice president, discuss their organization's DEI efforts, assistance from AHA's Health Equity Roadmap, and how advanced metric dashboards has played a pivotal role in success.

To learn more about AHA's Patient Safety Initiative, please visit https://www.aha.org/aha-patient-safety-initiative

Caring for Our Kids: Children's Colorado Is Meeting the Needs of Medically Complex Patients Oct 02, 2024

Some pediatric and adolescent patients are considered to have medical complexity — multiple conditions that require numerous health care service lines. In today's new Caring for Our Kids episode, explore how Children's Colorado has designed seamless care for medically complex kids and their families.

Leadership Dialogue Series: A Passion for Patient Safety with Steven Diaz, M.D. Sep 30, 2024

Improving patient safety is every caregiver's concern, but what does this look like in health care's rapidly changing environment? In this Leadership Dialogue conversation, Steven Diaz, M.D., chief medical officer at MaineGeneral Health and board member at the American Hospital Association, discusses his passion for patient safety, how his organization strives to meet quality care for its community, and how AI could potentially be incorporated into the overall work of patient safety.

This is an edited conversation. To view the full conversation, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzia8UmU_qc

"Saving People's Lives": Access to Mental Health and Addiction Services in Rural Communities Sep 27, 2024

Accessing mental health and addiction services can be especially difficult in rural communities, and solutions can be scarce. In this conversation, Brenda Romero, administrator at Presbyterian Española Hospital, discusses the methods for accessing treatment and the importance of the hospital's innovative and community-focused work.

Clinical Validation Audits and the Impact on Hospitals and Health Systems Sep 25, 2024

Clinical validation audits are a new tactic that certain commercial insurers are adopting to reduce or deny payment to health care providers. These audits can take months or even years to be adjudicated and resolved. In this conversation, Richelle Marting, director of managed care contracting at North Kansas City Hospital, and Chris Thompson, executive director of reimbursement and compliance for managed care at AdventHealth, discuss the rapid growth in these audits, the financial strain they can put on hospitals and health systems, and what can be done to protect providers.

The Work of Action Communities in Age-Friendly Health Systems Sep 23, 2024

Since 1982, The John A. Hartford Foundation has been a national leader in raising awareness and improving health care for older adults. In this conversation, Rani Snyder, vice president, Program at The John A. Hartford Foundation, discusses the importance of Action Communities in age-friendly care, and why health organizations should use the tools they provide to build exceptional care frameworks.

Suicide Prevention in Wisconsin’s Farming Communities Sep 18, 2024

The Farmer Angel Network is a support group devoted to suicide prevention in Wisconsin's farming communities. In this conversation, Brenda Statz, co-founder of the Farmer Angel Network, Carey Craker, marketing and volunteer services associate at Reedsburg Area Medical Center, and Christy Updike, transformation program manager at Sauk Prairie Healthcare, discuss how this impactful work began, the domino effect that suicide can have in farming towns, and the resources available to support families and loved ones.

"This Is Sacred Work": The 2024 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award Winners Sep 16, 2024

The American Hospital Association's Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award honors the most outstanding examples of health equity across America. In today's conversation, this year's winners discuss the successful strategies they’ve implemented to advance the work of health equity in their hospitals and beyond.

Reflections on Recovery: The Maui Wildfires Sep 13, 2024

The devastating 2023 Maui wildfires claimed 102 lives, destroyed more than 2,200 structures and caused an estimated $5.5 billion in damages. One year later, as communities recover, caregivers and first responders are reflecting on what was learned and how to prepare for future disasters. In this conversation, Hilton Raethel, president and CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, describes how the tragedy unfolded, the steps health care providers took in the face of an unparalleled crisis and what can be improved when the next disaster strikes.

This podcast episode is presented as part of Cooperative Agreement 5 HITEP210047-03-00, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The Health Research & Educational Trust, an American Hospital Association 501(c)(3) nonprofit subsidiary, is a proud partner of this Cooperative Agreement. The contents of this publication are solely the responsibility of the Health Research & Educational Trust and its partners and does not necessarily represent the official policies or views of the Department of Health and Human Services or of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. Further, any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

"Retention is Key": The Satisfaction and Productivity of Integrated Clinicians at Maine Behavioral Healthcare Sep 11, 2024

Health care leaders are learning that removing silos between physical and mental health care not only benefits patients, but also helps with the recruitment and retention of desperately needed behavioral health specialists. In this conversation, Stacey Ouellette, director of Behavioral Health Integration with Maine Behavioral Healthcare, discusses the positive impact integrated care has had on workplace productivity and satisfaction, and how it's made their teams more connected across the organization.

Caring for Our Kids: A Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Program Delivers Lifelong Care Sep 09, 2024

Advancing Health's new series, “Caring for Our Kids,” focuses on how pediatric hospitals are meeting the needs of their communities. In this first episode, learn about the Texas Children's Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Program, and the impact it has had on the lives of young cancer patients.

Changing the Tide in Maternal Health Outcomes to Reduce Morbidity and Address Equity Sep 06, 2024

Most maternal deaths do not occur in the hospital, but after discharge, postpartum to one year. And there are equity challenges; Black women die at three times the rate of white women from birth-related complications. In this conversation, Veronica Gillispie-Bell, M.D., OB-GYN at Ochsner Health, discusses successful strategies to reduce maternal morbidity after childbirth, and how these solutions should always start with equity at the forefront.

“It's a Mindset”: Health Equity at Children's Mercy Kansas City Sep 04, 2024

Everyone in a health care organization has a role to play to advance health equity, but what does it take to weave this important work into the fabric of everyday operations? In this conversation, Children's Mercy Kansas City's John Cowden, M.D., director of the Culture & Language Coaching Program, and Jessi Johnson, health equity specialist, discuss what makes equity integration at the health system so unique, and how initial discussions with employees helped guide equity principles.

Health Equity Challenges and Opportunities: A Conversation Between the AHA and AMA Aug 28, 2024

Advancing health equity is a key priority for the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA), with both developing key initiatives and programs dedicated to these efforts. In this conversation, Joy Lewis, senior vice president of health equity strategies at the AHA, speaks with Aletha Maybank, M.D., senior vice president and chief health equity officer at the AMA, about the challenges in the health equity space, and the opportunities that can make a difference in health care across America.

The 2024 Quest for Quality Prize Honorees Aug 26, 2024

The American Hospital Association’s Quest for Quality Prize recognizes exceptional health care leadership and innovation in improving quality and advancing health in America’s communities. In this conversation, leaders from the 2024 Quest for Quality winner, WellSpan Health, and finalists Carilion Clinic, Jefferson Health and MUSC Health, discuss their organizations' work in providing safe, patient- and family-centered care, and share how they partner with community organizations to keep quality health care accessible.

Start with Defense: Building a Cyber-Ready Team with Microsoft Aug 23, 2024

Health care is under constant threat of cyberattacks, but how prepared is the industry to fight back? The lack of resources is especially acute in rural areas. In this conversation, cyber security experts from the AHA and Microsoft, discuss the urgent need to build a cyber strong workforce, particularly in rural hospital and health systems, and how methods such as re-skilling can sustain permanent cyber readiness. For more information on this work, please email: mrhtp@microsoft.com

Mobile Crisis Centers: A Solution for Behavioral Health Access Aug 21, 2024

Two clinicians and a vehicle — that's the model Sheppard Pratt has been using to provide behavioral health access to its communities. In this conversation, Jason Melegari, R.N., director of clinical services at Sheppard Pratt, discusses how the organization's mobile behavioral health initiative was road tested, and the positive difference it is making for accessibility.

Boston Medical Center: Leading the Way Towards Health Equity and Justice Aug 19, 2024

Boston Medical Center (BMC) is the winner of the AHA’s 2024 Foster G. McGaw Prize, which recognizes the efforts of hospitals and health systems to improve the health and well-being of their communities. In this conversation, Thea James, M.D., vice president of mission with BMC, discusses the organization's evolution with health disparity work, and how BMC’s creation of the Health Equity Accelerator helped lead the way to achieve health justice in their communities.

It Starts with Culture: Quality and Safety at Emerson Health Aug 14, 2024

Building a culture of safety is the foundation for any hospital or health system. In this "Safety Speaks" conversation, Christi Barney, R.N., vice president of quality and patient safety at Emerson Health, discusses their innovative approach to culture building, and how quality and safety trainings for all stakeholders drove buy-in and measurable success across the health system.

Youth in Crisis: How an Innovative Program is Addressing Pediatric Mental Health Aug 12, 2024

Nationwide, there is a critical shortage of trained care providers to meet the needs of kids struggling with mental health issues, and the problem is especially acute in rural areas. In this conversation, three experts from Dartmouth Health discuss their five-part virtual behavioral health training program, "Keeping Students Safe: Supporting Youth in Mental Health Distress." Backed by a federal grant, the program offers tools for care providers to help guide young people through their mental health challenges.

To learn more about Dartmouth Health's innovative program visit https://video.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/playlist/dedicated/1_3g66mb6m/1_pvvjilri

Going International: The FBI's Global Fight Against Cybercrime Aug 07, 2024

Cybercriminals are ramping up attacks on health care systems throughout the United States, with a majority of these crimes originating from international, state-sponsored bad actors. In this conversation, John Riggi, national advisor for cybersecurity and risk at the AHA, talks with Oliver E. Rich, Jr., assistant director of the FBI’s International Operations Division, about the unique ways the bureau operates across the globe, and the essential role that diplomacy and cooperation play in making sure America's essential services are safe and secure.

Piloting Innovative Workforce Support to Put the Focus on Patient Care Aug 05, 2024

A shrinking workforce presents a host of challenges for any health care organization. With fewer caregivers available, hospital staff can have their bandwidth stretched to the breaking point. In this conversation, Darryl A. Elmouchi, M.D., chief operating officer of Corewell Health, discusses the current constraints facing caregivers when managing their day-to-day responsibilities, and how Corewell piloted innovative programs to help their employees get back to the main priority of patient care.

Hospital Boards Lay the Foundation for Quality and Safety Jul 31, 2024

Hospital boards are comprised of leaders from all types of professional backgrounds, and are also primarily responsible for developing the quality and safety plans for their organizations. In this new "Safety Speaks" conversation, Jamie Orlikoff, president of Orlikoff & Associates, Inc. and national adviser on governance and leadership at the AHA, discusses the role hospital boards can play in supporting quality and safety within their health systems, and how board members who aren't clinicians or health care administrators can make a difference in patient safety.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Anxiety Disorders and Ways to Support Mental Health Jul 29, 2024

In this conversation, Joanne M. Conroy, M.D., CEO and president of Dartmouth Health and 2024 AHA board chair, speaks with her colleague Robert E. Brady, director of Anxiety Disorders Service at Dartmouth Health, about different types of anxieties and their prevalence in today’s culture. The two also discuss how the health care community is being acutely affected by the rise in anxiety disorders.

This is an edited conversation. To hear the full version please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-queynyeLE

Cybercriminals Know Your Vulnerabilities: How to Fight Back? Jul 24, 2024

2024 has seen a sharp uptick in ruthless tactics by cybercriminals, who are now directly threatening patients with release of sensitive information, photos and medical records. In one instance, cybercriminals went as far as submitting a phony incident report to local police, triggering a harrowing visit from a SWAT Team. In this conversation, John Riggi, national advisor for cybersecurity and risk at the AHA, talks with two experts about the rise in these tactics, and what’s needed to fight back and prepare against these threat-to-life crimes.

For more information on cybersecurity and ways to protect your organization, please visit www.aha.org/cybersecurity

What is Cognitive Load and How to Manage It for Clinicians? Jul 22, 2024

Clinicians bring all of their skill and mental acuity to treat the whole patient, but there are many factors that can derail their ability to provide patient care. In this new "Safety Speaks" conversation, Michael Privitera, M.D., professor emeritus of psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center, discusses ways to ease the cognitive load that many physicians and caregivers face, and how simple steps can be implemented to make it easier to focus on what's most important.

To learn more and sign up for the Patient Safety Initiative please visit https://www.aha.org/aha-patient-safety-initiative

Addressing Mental Health Disparities Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities Jul 17, 2024

Access to quality mental and physical health services can be a complex challenge, but for individuals of color and people with severe or chronic mental illnesses, finding treatment can be exceptionally hard. In this conversation, Tracey Lavallias, executive director of behavioral health at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, discusses potential solutions to make access easier for patients, including cultural competency training, medical interpreter services, and most importantly, integration of mental and physical health services.

How a Rural Health System Continues to Provide Essential Obstetric Services Jul 15, 2024

Prior to 2022, Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH) was delivering 300 – 350 babies each year, offering the region's only comprehensive OB/GYN services. But when its three full-time OB/GYNs left, KVH was suddenly faced with a huge problem. In this conversation, Julie Petersen, CEO of Kittitas Valley Healthcare, discusses how her organization kept its promise to preserve essential obstetric services for women of all ages.

The 2024 AHA Rural Advocacy Agenda Jul 10, 2024

The American Hospital Association has made improving access to rural health care a top priority, and its 2024 AHA Rural Advocacy Agenda lays the groundwork to improve the system as a whole. In this conversation, three AHA experts drill down on specific steps needed to help rural health care stay financially sound and ready to serve.

This discussion took place at the 2024 Rural Health Care Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Unifying Hospital Boards on Quality and Safety Jul 08, 2024

In this new “Safety Speaks” conversation, Harry S. Smith, board chair of Valley Health System and member of the AHA Committee on Governance, discusses how their organization rearranged its governance system to ensure that quality and patient safety standards were being met across the board.

To learn more and sign up for the Patient Safety Initiative please visit https://www.aha.org/aha-patient-safety-initiative

From Surviving to Thriving: Ways to Boost Employee Retention in Rural Health Care Jul 01, 2024

The reality of today's health care workforce is that demand outstrips supply. For rural health care providers, building and sustaining a strong and vibrant workforce is paramount, but not easily achieved. In this conversation, Brandie Manuel, R.N., chief patient safety and quality officer at Jefferson Healthcare, discusses how the use of TeamSTEPPS and other tools are making a big difference in creating a thriving employee pipeline.

Optimizing Whole Person Care through Integration Jun 26, 2024

Providing optimal care to patients, regardless of where they live, can be a tall task for a hospital or health system. But with the advent of technology and integrated clinics, Henry Ford Health System is leading the way in serving its growing communities. In this conversation, Cathrine Frank, M.D., chair of psychiatry and behavioral health services at Henry Ford Health, shares how they utilize a virtual team approach to provide reachable care, and how innovations like a patient tracking registry are benefiting the whole person.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Sustaining the Nursing Workforce with Joy Parchment, R.N. Jun 24, 2024

America is facing an alarming shortage of nurses. Many experienced nurses are retiring. Burnout and other stressors, like an increase in workplace violence, also are compelling more nurses to leave their jobs. In this conversation, Joanne M. Conroy, M.D., CEO and president of Dartmouth Health and 2024 AHA board chair, talks with Joy Parchment, R.N., assistant professor at the University of Central Florida College of Nursing and board member of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), about ways that care providers can retain nurses and build a talent pipeline of future nurses.

This is an edited conversation. To hear the full version please visit https://youtu.be/7KJEMjIeN5M

The Benefits of Joining an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) with Augusta Health Jun 21, 2024

Health care pressures are often magnified for rural caregivers, yet some are developing unique solutions for these turbulent times. In this conversation, Mary Mannix, CEO and president of Augusta Health, discusses the impact that cross-training has had on high-quality patient care in their community, and how the transition to an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) ensures patients are getting the right care at the right time.

Workforce Safety Means Patient Safety Jun 19, 2024

Hospitals and health systems never stop working to advance patient safety, while collaborating and innovating together for the best quality outcomes. Welcome to “Safety Speaks,” an Advancing Health series where hospital and health system leaders share successes from their organizations’ patient safety efforts. In this conversation, Tom Peterson, M.D., vice president and chief safety officer at Trinity Health, discusses how Trinity's focus on both workforce and patient safety is paying off.

To learn more and sign up for the Patient Safety Initiative please visit https://www.aha.org/aha-patient-safety-initiative

The Value of Integrating Behavioral and Physical Health Jun 17, 2024

Overall health does not fit neatly into individual buckets, which is why today's caregivers are designing treatment plans that integrate behavioral and physical health. In this conversation, Jerry Halverson, M.D., consult liaison psychiatrist at Rogers Behavioral Health, discusses the impact of these integrations on patient outcomes, and how payers are providing reimbursement for these rapidly growing care models.

AHA in the Field: Innovations Across America's Health Care System Jun 14, 2024

In order for the American Hospital Association to be the most effective voice it can be for its members, personal visits to member hospitals and health systems are a must. Face-to-face conversations with health care leadership are invaluable, and a big part of the job for Chris DeRienzo, M.D., senior vice president and chief physician executive at the AHA. In this conversation, Dr. DeRienzo shares what he has learned from visiting with members, and how they are innovating unique solutions to combat current health care challenges.

Beyond the Four Walls: Sentara Health's Commitment to Bringing Care to Communities Jun 12, 2024

Health care providers are working hard to move beyond the hospital walls and expand access into the communities they serve. Sentara Health is one of many organizations that are creatively identifying populations with the greatest need for health care and community services. In this conversation, Iris Lundy, R.N., vice president of health equity at Sentara Health, discusses their thoughtful approach to delivering accessible and high-quality health care to those who need it most.

It Takes a Village: A New Approach to Opioid Abuse Helps Mothers and Babies Jun 10, 2024

As opioid abuse has reached epidemic proportions, the number of babies born dependent on these drugs also has increased dramatically. The award-winning WISH (Women and Infant Substance Help) Center at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital is combating this serious problem with innovative and people-first solutions that help mothers get off and stay off opioids and other substances. In this conversation, Chris DeRienzo, M.D., SVP and chief physician executive at the AHA, speaks with three WISH Center experts about how its approach is helping to protect the health of new mothers and their babies.

For more information on the SSM WISH Center visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzaZZrLRAn0&t=1s

#CHIWeek #CHI

De-escalating Workplace Violence by 75% with WellSpan Health Jun 07, 2024

As we observe AHA’s 8th annual #HAVHope Day, it's an important reminder that many hospital and health system leaders are looking for solutions to address the root causes of violence in their organizations and communities. Some AHA members have already figured out how to make their organizations a safer and more peaceful environment in which to receive care. In this conversation, Kenneth Rogers, M.D., vice president and chief medical officer at WellSpan Health, discusses how the implementation of their Behavioral Health Emergency Response Team has successfully de-escalated workplace violence incidents by 75% since 2019, by increasing capacity for their team members to respond to situations that could result in violence. #HAVhope

How to Survive a Cyberattack with Scripps Health: Part Two Jun 05, 2024

Hospitals and health systems have their hands full coping with the scary reality of a ransomware attack, but there are also civil liability concerns that arise in the fallout of a health care cybercrime. In the second of this two-part conversation, John Riggi, national advisor for cybersecurity and risk at the AHA, and Chris Van Gorder, president & CEO of Scripps Health, explore the underdiscussed aspects in the aftermath of a cyber-attack, and the necessary support from the federal government.

How to Survive a Cyberattack with Scripps Health: Part One Jun 03, 2024

In response to the alarming rise of ransomware attacks, hospitals and health systems must stay vigilant by playing defense, having a mitigation plan in place, and keeping lines of communication open with federal law enforcement. But even when it's followed, it's no guarantee. Scripps Health did everything right, yet in May of 2021, a serious incursion occurred anyway. In part one of this two-part conversation, Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of Scripps Health, joins John Riggi, National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk at the AHA, about how his organization responded when cyber criminals attacked and breached the defenses of the well-prepared health system.

The Impact of the New Prior Authorization Rule May 30, 2024

Prior authorization means getting approval from your health plan before scheduling a medical service, but many clinicians and patients say prior authorization has become an administrative nightmare, delaying or even denying needed medical care. In mid-January, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) issued a final rule designed to address some of the widespread difficulties. In this conversation, Andrea Preisler, senior associate director of administrative simplification policy at the AHA, Jennifer Cameron, executive director of Patient Access at Children's National Health System and David Jacobson, M.D., division chief of blood and marrow transplantation at Children's National Hospital, discuss what the new prior authorization rule means for making sure clinicians can do what they do best: taking care of their patients.

Caregivers Need Care Too May 28, 2024

As Americans age, health care is seeing a shift in addressing the unique needs of older adults. But what about those caring for their loved ones? In this conversation, Diane Mariani, program manager at Rush University Medical Center, discusses their Caring for Caregivers program, which shares resources and guidance to family and friends who care for older adults, while helping them better manage their own health and wellness. To watch the video version of this podcast visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRIIvSuEmMc

Providing Behavioral Health Support for Older Adults May 21, 2024

According to the World Health Organization, behavioral health conditions among older populations are often underrecognized, undertreated and stigmatized. Broaddus Hospital, a critical access hospital and part of Davis Health System, tackled this problem head-on with the development of Senior Life Solutions, an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed for patients 65 and older. In this conversation, Broaddus Hospital's Dana Gould, CEO, and Donetta McVicker, program director of Senior Life Solutions, share how they are working to identify and fill the unique mental health needs of their older community members.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Behavioral Health Solutions With Jeremy Musher, M.D., of Lifepoint Health May 20, 2024

Across the country, hospitals and health systems are moving to fully integrate behavioral health treatment as a core part of patient-centered care. In this conversation, Joanne M. Conroy, M.D., CEO and president of Dartmouth Health and 2024 AHA board chair, talks with Jeremy Musher, M.D., chief behavioral medical officer at Lifepoint Health, about common obstacles in the behavioral health field, including access and reimbursement, as well as ways to approach mental health stigmas.

Converting to Rural Emergency Hospitals May 16, 2024

In 2020, Congress acted to prevent any more loss of essential health care services in rural areas by creating a new designation: Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs). REHs became official on January 1, 2023. Since then, a growing number of rural care providers have voluntarily converted to this category. In this discussion, two rural health care leaders assess how the conversion to Rural Emergency Hospital is proceeding, and how to build trust and buy-in from patients and communities.

Training Community Health Workers to Improve Health Equity May 14, 2024

Community health workers (CHWs) serve as a bridge between social and clinical care, providing essential outreach and advocacy to populations with unmet social needs. Understanding the importance of CHWs, Montefiore Medical Center created the Community Health Worker Institute to standardize CHW training and ensure that the patients they serve receive the best possible care. In this conversation, Renee Whiskey-LaLanne, director of community partnerships at Montefiore's Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Kevin Fiori, M.D., vice chair of community health and engagement at Montefiore Health System, discuss how the lofty dream of an institute turned into reality, as well as the strategies for addressing social determinants of health.

Beyond Birth: How Moms in Health Care Can Make It Work May 12, 2024

In addition to caring for patients, many health care providers have an equally important role at home — being parents to young children. Given the pressures of parenting, what are hospitals and health systems doing to retain new parents, especially moms, in the health care workforce? In the final episode of this award-winning series, learn how health care organizations are supporting new moms to enable them to thrive at work, and most importantly, at home. For more resources on maternal health or to listen to previous Beyond Birth episodes, visit www.aha.org/betterhhealthformothersandbabies.

Helping Boards Help Rural Hospitals May 09, 2024

The constant strain of workforce and financial issues are proving difficult to solve for rural health care providers. In this conversation, Barbara Sowada, president of the Board of Trustees at Memorial Hospital, discusses the role board members can play in helping their hospitals and health systems navigate today’s pressing problems, and how the AHA’s resources and educational materials can provide valuable assistance.

Helping Parents and Kids Talk About Mental Health May 07, 2024

Despite the fact that half of all mental health issues begin before age 14, most parents can have difficulty talking with their kids about mental health concerns. AdventHealth for Children has created "Be a Mindleader,” a preventive campaign to help parents and their kids open the door to difficult, but necessary conversations on mental health. In this conversation, Jessica Galo, director of specialty care at AdventHealth for Children, and Jaeann Ashton, marketing director of Women's and Children's at AdventHealth, explore how the “Be a Mindleader” campaign is leading the way to improving adolescent mental health with these life-changing conversations.

Supporting Intensive Outpatient Perinatal Care Apr 30, 2024

There are a host of medical issues that can come with pregnancy and giving birth. An often-overlooked aspect of pregnancy and motherhood is that some new mothers do better with intensive outpatient perinatal care, which is an elevated level of support. Ascension Alexian Brothers - Behavioral Health Hospital is among a small number of providers specializing in providing intensive outpatient perinatal care. In this conversation, two behavioral health experts from Ascension's outpatient program share the formula for its success in helping at-risk new moms.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Partnering for Health Equity with Corewell Health Apr 29, 2024

In the current health care landscape, hospitals and health systems have been focusing their attention on tackling the social determinants of health in their communities. To achieve this, they are working hand in hand with community stakeholders, reaching areas where zip codes can often determine health outcomes. In this conversation, Joanne M. Conroy, M.D., CEO and president of Dartmouth Health and 2024 AHA board chair, talks with Lynn Todman, vice president of health equity and community partnerships at Corewell Health, about how care providers are reaching within their community to reinforce strong health habits and individual wellness. To listen to the full conversation visit https://youtu.be/mxmS4GuJCmY

How to Reach the Next Generation of Health Care Workers with Hannibal Regional Healthcare System Apr 25, 2024

Recruiting a young and engaged workforce is particularly challenging for rural care providers. Innovative solutions such as signing bonuses and tuition payment are familiar tools many health care employers are using in employee recruitment. In this conversation, Susan Wathen, vice president of human resources at Hannibal Regional Healthcare System, discusses their unique approaches to finding and retaining future health care employees.

Peer-to-Peer Solutions for a Healthy Workforce: Lessons from NYC Health + Hospitals Apr 23, 2024

The mental and physical well-being of the nation’s caregivers has been a main priority for health care leaders across the country, but implementing support programs across large organizations can be challenging. NYC Health + Hospitals has faced the challenge with their Helping Healers Heal network, a peer-to-peer support program that helps care teams stay physically and mentally healthy. In this conversation, Jeremy Segall, chief wellness officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, discusses the system's various well-being programs, as well as the steps needed to move these programs forward in big organizations.

Joining Forces in Support of Mental and Behavioral Health Apr 16, 2024

Psychiatric hospitals and community mental health centers (CMHCs) often work independently in their efforts to meet patients’ needs. Butler Hospital decided to break down these silos by forging a close and cooperative relationship with a CMHC — The Providence Center. In this conversation, Mary Marran, president and CEO of Butler Hospital, describes how the enhanced partnership between the two mental health service providers has made a big difference in coordinating services and resources for their patients.

Training Future Health Care Leaders to Address Health Disparities Apr 14, 2024

John Bluford’s distinguished career in hospital and health system administration has spanned more than four decades, and he has been recognized by Modern Healthcare and Becker's Hospital Review as one of the Most Influential People in Healthcare. He is also the founder of the Bluford Healthcare Leadership Institute (BHLI), a professional development program that introduces talented minority undergraduate scholars to health care administration. In this conversation, Bluford describes how the Institute is training young and diverse talent to assume leadership roles.

San Luis Valley Hospital Delivers When Families Need Obstetric Care Apr 09, 2024

Rural hospitals in the United States are struggling to maintain obstetric services, and in the last five years more than 300 birthing units across the country have shut down. San Luis Valley Hospital is fighting this trend, implementing creative strategies to keep obstetric services open for their communities. In this conversation, San Luis Valley Hospital's Monica Hinds, R.N., director of emergency services and obstetrics, and Stephanie Posorske, certified nurse midwife, discuss their approach to cross-training units with minimal resources, and partnering with community stakeholders to keep the lights on for new and future families.

The First 1,000 Days of Life: Creating Brighter Futures for New Moms and Babies Apr 02, 2024

Welcome to “Rural,” a yearlong series devoted to rural hospitals and health systems in America. Being a new parent is challenging in the best of circumstances, but it is even harder for expecting and new moms struggling with social and behavioral health needs. In this conversation, two experts from Intermountain Health discuss their "First 1,000 Days of Life" program that provides wraparound services for at-risk new moms. Then, Lacey Starcevich, a former program participant, shares her emotional journey to building a healthy life for herself and her new family. This podcast was recorded at this year's AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference.

Part Two: Cyberthreats and Assessing Third-Party Risk with Providence Mar 28, 2024

For cybercriminals, the backdoor into the protected systems of hospitals and health systems often comes via a third party. In this second of a two-part conversation, hosted by the AHA's National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk John Riggi, Providence’s Adam Zoller, chief information security officer, and Katie Adams, cybersecurity director of clinical technology services, discuss the potential cyberthreats posed by third-party medical devices, and strategies to keep third-parties open and transparent with organizations.

Part One: Cyberthreats and Assessing Third-Party Risk with Providence Mar 26, 2024

More than one in every three Americans had their health care records stolen or compromised in 2023, creating threats to hospitals and health systems across the nation. For cybercriminals, the backdoor into the protected systems of hospitals and health systems often comes via a third party. In this first of a two-part conversation, hosted by the AHA's National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk John Riggi, Providence’s Adam Zoller, chief information security officer, and Katie Adams, cybersecurity director of clinical technology services, discuss the potential cyberthreats posed by third parties, and prevention strategies to keep organizations secure and alert.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Investing for Impact with Healthcare Anchor Network Mar 24, 2024

Investing in the health and well-being of communities is a core mission for all hospitals and health systems. Their community investment can take many forms, including new housing programs, transportation outlets for patients and on-site daycare facilities. In this conversation, Joanne M. Conroy, M.D., CEO and president of Dartmouth Health and 2024 Chair of AHA's Board, talks with David Zuckerman, president and founder of the Healthcare Anchor Network, to discuss the ways that anchor organizations are creating community outreach, and how impact investing is making a huge difference for economic development.

Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling With Roxie Wells, M.D. Mar 19, 2024

In the health care field, women occupy only 15% of C-suite executive positions, and for women of color that percentage is even smaller. The importance of gender and racial diversity in health care leadership is clearer than ever, and organizations dedicated to equity in executive roles are building successful visions for the future. In this conversation, Roxie Wells, M.D., senior vice president chief physician executive and strategy officer with Novant Health Coastal Market, discusses her long journey to and through the health care C-suite, and the importance of mentoring young women leaders through the glass ceiling and beyond.

Integrating Age-Friendly Care in an Emergency Department With Sharp Grossmont Mar 14, 2024

The number of adults age 65 or older will reach about 95 million in the United States by the year 2060. Hospital emergency departments will need to showcase their flexibility by adapting models of care to address the unique care needs of older adults. In this conversation, Julie Dye, clinical nurse specialist in geriatrics at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, discusses the benefits of participating in the Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation program and the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative. She describes how Sharp Grossmont blends case worker skills and clinical expertise to identify gaps in care for older adult patients. For more information on Age-Friendly Health Systems, visit www.aha.org/agefriendly.

No Vacancy: How Dartmouth Health is Solving Workforce Shortages Mar 12, 2024

Employee vacancies have hit the health care field hard, making it difficult to consistently provide the high-quality care communities expect from their hospitals and health systems. Dartmouth Health faced this problem head-on, establishing a robust set of apprenticeships and career pathway training programs to ensure their workforce is being professionally developed, and most importantly, retained. In this conversation, Carolyn Isabelle, director of workforce development at Dartmouth Health, discusses the health system's numerous approaches to recruitment, and the successful strategies that support a healthy and engaged workforce.

Metropolitan Anchor Hospitals: Anchoring Community Health With NYC Health + Hospitals Mar 05, 2024

For decades, Metropolitan Anchor Hospitals (MAHs) have provided critical health care and social services to diverse populations in the nation’s cities. MAHs and health systems, like NYC Health + Hospitals, are foundational to their community, providing comprehensive, equity-focused care. In this conversation, Deborah Brown, senior vice president of external and regulatory affairs at NYC Health + Hospitals, discusses innovative solutions to common MAH challenges, and the many ways in which the massive public health system meets its mission of taking care of every patient who walks in their doors. For more information on Metropolitan Anchor Hospitals visit https://www.aha.org/fact-sheets/2022-10-24-fact-sheet-metropolitan-anchor-hospitals

Reimagining the Workforce: Strategies from the 2024 AHA Health Care Workforce Scan Feb 29, 2024

Without a strong and healthy workforce, providing exceptional health care will always be difficult. Addressing the root causes of emerging and continuing workforce issues will always remain a top priority for the AHA and its members. In this conversation, Ron Werft, president and CEO of Cottage Health, and Felicia Sadler, vice president of quality at Relias, discuss the valuable insights and real-world approaches outlined in the 2024 AHA Health Care Workforce Scan, which helps organizations reimagine, redesign and transform their workforce strategies.

ChatGPT: Is it Practical for Health Care Data Analytics? Feb 27, 2024

After launching in November 2022, it took ChatGPT just two months to become the fastest growing consumer app in history — proof of the rapid adoption of AI technology. In this conversation, three experts from the American Hospital Association discuss the game-changing applications of ChatGPT and AI for health care data analytics, and some of the potential pitfalls.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Driving Community Health Improvement With SBH Health System Feb 25, 2024

For hospitals and health systems of every size and location, it’s critically important to adapt to the needs of their communities. Over the years, SBH Health System has shown its adaptability, evolving with shifting demographics and social determinants of health. In today’s conversation, Joanne M. Conroy, M.D., CEO and president of Dartmouth Health and 2024 Chair of AHA's Board, talks with David Perlstein, M.D., president and CEO of SBH Health System, to discuss how the organization is proactively improving the health and well-being of its patient population and community.

Beyond Birth: Matters of the Heart With Orlando Health Feb 22, 2024

This special series explores the medical complications that can accompany pregnancy, successful prenatal and postpartum treatment programs, and how hospitals and health systems are addressing the social needs of new mothers. Pregnancy is a major stressor on a woman’s body, with cardiovascular conditions being one of the most prevalent complications and leading causes of maternal mortality. In this episode, learn how Orlando Health is reaching outside its walls to support heart-healthy pregnancies and postpartum periods for new mothers.

A Portfolio of Community Investment With Advocate Health Feb 20, 2024

Hospitals and health systems are rightly called cornerstones of their communities, and none take that mission more seriously than Advocate Health. The health system works with local partners to address a variety of community needs, providing nearly $6 billion in community benefits in 2023. In this conversation, Kinneil Coltman, chief community and social impact officer at Advocate Health, discusses Advocate’s wide-ranging programs and initiatives, including food insecurity, affordable housing and meaningful employment.

A Game of Cat and Mouse: How the FBI is Confronting The Rise of Cyberattacks in Health Care Feb 15, 2024

Hackers and cybercriminals are targeting hospitals and health systems at alarming rates, disrupting operations and threatening direct patient care. In this conversation, Bryan Smith, recently retired section chief of the Cyber Criminal Operations Section with the FBI, discusses how the Bureau tackles the huge challenge of protecting the nation's caregivers from these attacks, and how partnerships are crucial in prevailing against cybercriminals.

Sparking Social Connection and Community With Indiana University Health Feb 13, 2024

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a shocking 80-plus page advisory declaring loneliness and social isolation as reaching epidemic levels in American society. Ready to act, Indiana University Health was among the first large health systems to develop a care network to spark social connection and community. In this conversation, Jay Foster, vice president of spiritual care with Indiana University Health, and Shadreck Kamwendo, director of the Congregational Care Network, talk about the difference the network is making in the lives of Indiana residents and beyond, and the resources available for those in need.

For more information on the network visit https://iuhealth.org/patient-family-support/support-care/chaplaincy-services

The Growing Role of Chief Wellness Officers in Health Care Feb 06, 2024

In U.S. health care there has been a significant increase in the number of chief wellness officers (CWOs) employed by hospitals and health systems. CWOs are an essential part of a health care worker's mental and physical support structure, providing opportunities and resources whenever needed. In this conversation, Jonathan Ripp, M.D., senior associate dean for well-being and resilience and chief wellness officer of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses his role as one of the nation's first chief wellness officers, and how the importance of employee wellness has evolved in hospitals and health systems in the last decade.

The Effects of Medicare Advantage on Rural Hospitals With St. Bernards Healthcare Jan 30, 2024

Half of all Medicare beneficiaries get their benefits through Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which are offered by private companies and in theory should provide the same level of coverage of traditional Medicare. However, some MA plans have made the process of getting a claim covered a nightmare for patients, hospitals and health systems. In this conversation, Chris Barber, president and CEO of St. Bernards Healthcare, discusses the overwhelming problems certain MA plan practices can create for patients and their caregivers, especially for rural hospitals and health systems who face a unique set of challenges in caring for their communities.

Leadership Dialogue Series: The Rise of AI in Health Care With ChristianaCare Jan 28, 2024

The influx of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care is here to stay, yet there is considerable debate about the best and most effective ways to safely employ it. In this conversation, Joanne Conroy, M.D., CEO and president of Dartmouth Health and the 2024 Chair of AHA's Board, and Janice Nevin, M.D., president and CEO of ChristianaCare, discuss what the rise of AI means for health care organizations and their employees, as well the marked improvements that this type of intelligence can have on hospital and health system efficiency.

Beyond Birth: Navigating Perinatal Depression With Endeavor Health Jan 23, 2024

This special series explores the medical complications that can accompany pregnancy, successful prenatal and postpartum treatment programs, and how hospitals and health systems are addressing the social needs of new mothers. For many new mothers, the transition to parenthood can trigger depression and anxiety. In this episode, Laura La Porte, LCSW, manager of the Perinatal Depression Program at Endeavor Health, and new mom Anna Ma, discuss how the program supports a new mother's mental health and provides avenues for parents to seek help.

Peer Support and Building an Infrastructure of Employee Mental Wellness Jan 16, 2024

For many clinicians the pressure of treating a never-ending line of patients can be stressful. The COVID pandemic has been a health care game changer, and its lasting effect on care teams accelerated issues like burnout and the need to address well-being. In this conversation, Suzanne Bentley, M.D., chief wellness officer and director of simulation, innovation and research at the New York City Health and Hospitals Elmhurst, discusses the critical role that their peer support program played in employee mental health and the impact of building infrastructure focused on the well-being of staff.

The Evolving Role of the Physician Leader Jan 09, 2024

One hallmark of America's rapidly changing health care system is the evolving role of physician leaders who have chosen to wear two leadership hats as both doctor and administrator. As physicians they must make quick and decisive clinical decisions about a patient’s care, while as physician-administrators they often face longer-term organizational challenges that require different types of problem-solving approaches. In this conversation, Chris DeRienzo, M.D., senior vice president and chief physician executive at the American Hospital Association, explores how today’s physician leaders can reconcile the demands of two different jobs and support both the patient and their organization's long-term goals.

Health Care Transformation Begins With Its People Jan 04, 2024

In today's health care field, leaders must address a multitude of complex and intertwined challenges. One of the most important is supporting the well-being of their clinicians. In this conversation, experts from Kaiser Permanente and Mass General Brigham discuss how their organizations are using innovative workforce approaches to give their clinicians the resources and skills needed to thrive professionally and personally. This podcast is brought to you by Valor Performance. Visit https://www.valorperform.com/ to learn more.

Best of Advancing Health 2023: From Quiet Quitting to Sustainable Well-Being Dec 26, 2023

Thanks for listening to the Advancing Health podcast and we hope you have found it engaging and informative! As we wind up 2023 we wanted to re-release one of our most popular episodes from the last year. Advancing Health returns with new episodes in 2024. Until then we hope you and your family have a safe and wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!

A National Staffing Emergency in Rural Health Care Dec 19, 2023

Attracting and retaining skilled health care workers in rural settings is more difficult than ever before, with increasing competition from other employers and dwindling applications. But rural health care leaders aren't throwing in the towel. In this conversation, Kevin Stansbury, CEO of Lincoln Health, Debra Rudquist, president of Amery Hospital, and Karen Cheeseman, CEO of Mackinac Straits Health System, discuss the new ways they are retaining their current workforce, and how they are forging new paths to attract future generations of health care workers.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Redefining Health Care for 2024 With Dartmouth Health Dec 18, 2023

Health care has experienced challenges and tribulations over this past year, but this also has created opportunities and advancements to help positively elevate the field. In this conversation, John Haupert, president and CEO of Grady Health and the 2023 Chair of AHA’s Board, and Joanne Conroy, M.D., CEO and president of Dartmouth Health and incoming 2024 AHA Board Chair, discuss the multiple health care priorities of 2024, and how hospitals and health systems can redefine health care delivery.

The Well-being Impact of Northwestern Medicine's Scholars of Wellness Program Dec 14, 2023

In recent years, American health care has become acutely aware of the importance of well-being for its workers. To address the mental stresses of health care, Chicago’s Northwestern Medicine established the Scholars of Wellness program, focusing on understanding what well-being actually means, and how it can be woven into organizational culture. In this discussion, Gaurava Agarwal, M.D., vice president and chief wellness executive at Northwestern Medicine and director of faculty wellness at Northwestern University, and Samantha Saggese, physician assistant of nephrology and hypertension at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, explain the difference the Scholars of Wellness program is making, and how it could be adopted for the benefit of hospitals and health systems across the nation.

Why Nurses on Your Board Matter Dec 12, 2023

The push for increased diversity and inclusion on boards of governance for hospitals and health systems is a necessity for success. A 2023 AHA national survey found that boards are paying increased attention to bringing diverse viewpoints to their membership, including from one particular group — nurses. In this conversation, Ellen Brzytwa, R.N., trustee at the Cleveland Clinic, discusses her mission of bringing more nurses into board positions, and how her own experience demonstrated that more hospital boards should have nurses as trustee members.

Meeting Demand: Creating a New Pipeline of Health Care Workers Dec 07, 2023

The health care field needs workers, and the demand will increase even more in the years to come. Grady Health System realized that accessing a key demographic could unlock solutions to these labor shortages. In this conversation, Grady Health System’s Yolanda Wimberly, M.D., senior vice president and chief health equity officer, and Felicia Mobley, Ph.D., director of health equity, discuss their new teen experience and leadership program, and how providing hands-on internships for local teens is helping to build its workforce pipeline for decades to come.

Workforce Burnout: Embedding an Organizational Culture of Wellness Dec 05, 2023

High levels of stress and burnout in the health care field not only cause more errors on the job, but can cost hospitals and health systems millions of dollars to replace departing staff. Having a robust employee wellness program has become a huge priority, moving the needle in recruiting and retaining staff. In this conversation, Kristine Olson, M.D., chief wellness officer at Yale New Haven Hospital, discusses the steps to developing organization-wide wellness and well-being, and how these types of programs are creating positive results in their workforce.

Predicting the Patient: Using Analytics for Better Outcomes Nov 30, 2023

The Electronic Health Record (EHR) is essential for clinical and nursing teams to make critical patient care decisions, but what if even more patient data could be accessed? Through the use of predictive analytics, a patient’s care team can predict where the patient’s condition is heading, which leads to more informed care decisions. In this conversation, Natalie Correll-Yoder, critical care clinical nurse specialist with NorthBay Health, and Nikki Rasmussen, senior clinical account manager with Spacelabs Healthcare, discuss one such predictive analytics tool, the Rothman Index, and how it made a huge impact for NorthBay Health's employees, and most importantly, its patients. This podcast is brought to you by Spacelabs Healthcare. To learn more about Spacelabs Healthcare please visit www.spacelabshealthcare.com

A Workforce for the New Era of Equitable Health Care Nov 28, 2023

It’s estimated that the health care industry will need at least an additional 3.5 million workers in the next five years to meet demand, but where will they come from? Health care experts say there is a crucial component of new talent that is being overlooked — community health workers. In this conversation, hear from three experts who believe that expanding and integrating this talent pool into America's hospitals and health systems could provide a bridge to meeting future health care needs. To learn more about the AHA's Institute for Diversity and Health Equity please visit https://ifdhe.aha.org/

Beyond Birth: Understanding Perinatal Depression With UMass Memorial Health Nov 21, 2023

American health care has come a long way over the years, but there is at least one glaring exception — maternal health. This three-part series explores the medical complications that can accompany pregnancy, successful prenatal and postpartum treatment programs, and how hospitals and health systems are addressing the social needs of new mothers. In this episode, Tiffany Moore Simas, M.D., chair of obstetrics and gynecology at UMass Memorial Health, discusses the concerning prevalence of perinatal depression, and the options available to provide a lifeline for mothers.

For more information on UMass Memorial Health's efforts visit www.umass.edu/lifeline4moms

Better Behavioral Health Care Through Collaboration and Virtual Care Nov 19, 2023

In the U.S. health care system, the demand for behavioral health care has long outpaced availability, with many patients forced to turn to their primary care providers for help. To find a solution, Henry Ford Health System decided to get creative with a new collaborative care program that for the first time integrated primary care with behavioral health. In this conversation, four clinicians from Henry Ford discuss the beginnings of the program and how collaboration and technology have made it easier to see patients than ever before.

Visit www.aha.org/behavioralhealth to learn more information.

The Evolution of Rural Emergency Hospitals as a New Model of Care Nov 16, 2023

Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs) officially became a new type of care provider on January 1, 2023, expanding the scope of services that rural providers can offer. In this conversation, Laura Appel, executive vice president of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, and Christina Campos, CEO at Guadalupe County Hospital, discuss what’s involved in converting to and meeting the eligibility requirements of a Rural Emergency Hospital, and what patients stand to gain from it.

The Future of Rural Hospitals and Health Systems Nov 14, 2023

An estimated 57 million rural Americans depend on their hospital as an important source of care and critical pillar of their community. In this conversation, Joanne Conroy, M.D., president and CEO of Dartmouth Health and board chair-elect at the AHA, discusses the future of rural hospitals and health systems in the U.S., and the possible solutions to providing quality and cost-efficient care for the communities that need it most. November 16 is #NationalRuralHealthDay

Visit www.aha.org/national-rural-health-day to learn more about Rural Hospitals in America.

You're Not Alone: Supporting New Moms With the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Nov 09, 2023

The many emotions pregnant and postpartum women experience can have a huge impact on their mental well-being, and if left untreated can have devastating consequences. In 2022, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, offering support and resources via call or text to pregnant women and new mothers. In this episode, Michael Warren, M.D., associate administrator of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau at HRSA, discusses how the hotline came to exist, and how it is helping combat the overwhelming stresses that new mothers can face. The hotline can be reached at 1-833-TLC-MAMA and the hotline also offers a Partner Toolkit for health care organization to raise awareness.

Visit AHA’s Maternal Mental Health webpage for more resources such as infographics and podcasts.

Dr. Michael Warren

Improving Maternity Care for Indigenous Populations Nov 07, 2023

People of American Indian and Alaska Native descent, also known as Indigenous, are twice as likely to experience pregnancy-related deaths as white women. In this conversation, Tina Pattara-Lau, M.D., maternal and child health consultant with the Indian Health Service Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, and Johnna Nynas, M.D. obstetrics and gynecology specialist at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, explore common disparities and systemic barriers Indigenous people experience in pregnancy and postpartum, and ways hospitals and health care organizations can combat these challenges to provide culturally-focused care. November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth.

The Must Do's for Welcoming a New CEO Nov 02, 2023

For health care organizations, welcoming a new CEO can present uneasy change — but it also allows the opportunity to creatively address some of the field's biggest hurdles. In this conversation, learn how the leadership and board of directors at Northwestern Medical Center in Vermont started their CEO searches, and how the CEO transition plan helped accelerate their organization’s success and plans for the future. This podcast is sponsored by WittKieffer.

For for information please visit WittKieffer

2023 Circle of Life Honorees: Leading the Way in Palliative and End-of-Life Care Oct 31, 2023

The American Hospital Association is proud to be a major sponsor of the 2023 Circle of Life Award, which honors health care organizations that are demonstrating innovative palliative or end-of-life care to impact the patients, families and communities they serve. In this conversation, Martha Twaddle, M.D., Waud family medical director for palliative medicine & supportive care at Northwestern Medicine, talks to this year’s three honorees about what drives them to overcome the barriers in palliative care, and their ability to build trust and relationships during extremely difficult times.

Apply for the 2024 Circle of Life Award - How do you know if your organization is ready to apply for a Circle of Life Award? An innovative palliative or end-of-life care provider that is measuring and evaluating the impact of its work on patients, family, and/or the community is ready to apply for a Circle of Life award. Honorees are emphasizing coordinated or integrated care delivery throughout all settings, engaging underserved populations, promoting palliative care in diverse populations using strategies for engaging communities, creating partnerships with other health care organizations and practitioners, and initiatives within long-term care facilities. Please contact circleoflife@aha.org with questions.

Leadership Dialogue Series: At the Intersection of Technology and Nursing With Advocate Health Oct 30, 2023

As the nursing profession continues to evolve, it is embracing new technologies and practices that allow nurses to focus on what matters most — their patients. In this conversation, John Haupert, president and CEO of Grady Health System and 2023 AHA board chair, and Mary Beth Kingston, Ph.D., R.N., executive vice president and chief nursing officer at Advocate Health and AHA board member, discuss the future of technology and nursing in the health care environment and how technology can be implemented to improve not just patient care, but overall employee satisfaction.

Leading With Empathy: Workforce Well-Being at Ochsner Health Oct 27, 2023

Addressing burnout and the mental health of employees is not only the right thing to do, but also improves care, quality, patient satisfaction and the financial health of the organization. In this conversation, Nigel Girgrah, M.D., chief wellness officer at Ochsner Health, discusses his evolution in workforce well-being, building a business case for organizational buy-in and the importance of combining leadership with mental health transparency.

Beyond Birth: The Social Needs of New Mothers With Ascension Oct 25, 2023

American health care has come a long way over the years, but there is at least one glaring exception — maternal health. This three-part series explores the medical complications that can accompany pregnancy, successful prenatal and postpartum treatment programs, and how hospitals and health systems are addressing the social needs of new mothers. In this episode, Stacy Garrett-Ray, M.D., senior vice president and chief community impact officer at Ascension Health, and X’Laodai Mack, new mom and Ascension patient, discuss how the health system is addressing social determinants of health to support mothers and their babies.

Equity of Care Award Winner Monument Health: A Commitment to Inclusion Oct 20, 2023

The AHA's Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award recognizes outstanding efforts among hospitals and health care systems to advance equity of care and reduce health disparities within their communities. 2023 Rural Winner, Monument Health, was honored for their journey in health equity progress that has spanned over 8 years. In this conversation, Paulette Davidson, president and CEO of Monument Health, and Sandra Ogunremi, DHA, vice president of diversity, inclusion and belonging at Monument Health, discuss how one incident made the rural health system vow to do better and commit to a strong path forward in health care equity.

Foster G. McGaw Prize Finalist GBMC HealthCare: Focusing on the Social Determinants of Health Oct 18, 2023

The AHA’s prestigious Foster G. McGaw Prize honors health delivery organizations that have demonstrated a strategic approach to community health and health equity. Finalist GBMC HealthCare was one of the organizations honored in 2023 for leading the way. In this conversation, John Chessare, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of GBMC HealthCare, shares how they began investing in their Baltimore community by specifically focusing on social determinants of health.

Playing Cyber Defense in the Age of Digital Innovation Oct 16, 2023

Digital innovation in artificial intelligence, machine learning and other spaces are becoming more present in health care. With these advancements also come threats from cybercriminals. Through June of 2023, 48 million individuals were impacted by 250 data breaches as reported to the HHS Office of Civil Rights, and about a quarter of them were high-impact ransomware attacks. In this conversation, Troy Ament, chief information security officer at Fortinet, discusses the conversations health care needs to be having to balance digital innovation with cybercrime defenses. Fortinet is an AHA Preferred Cybersecurity Provider.

Equity of Care Award Winner Meritus Health: Influencing Equity in the Community Oct 13, 2023

The AHA's Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award recognizes outstanding efforts among hospitals and health care systems to advance equity of care and reduce health disparities within their communities. 2023 Transforming Winner, Meritus Health, was honored for creating and implementing strategies that influence equity within its community. In this conversation, Allen Twigg, Meritus Health's executive director of behavioral and community health services, talks about their role in the community and how they have expanded that role to reduce disparities for the population.

How UVA Health is Helping to Build a Nursing Workforce Oct 11, 2023

Building and retaining a nursing workforce is one of the many challenges facing health care today. In this conversation, Wendy Horton, chief executive officer of UVA Health, and Beth Mehring, program manager of the “Earn While You Learn” program at UVA Health, discuss the successes of "Earn While You Learn" and how their approach to sustaining the nursing workforce can provide solutions for hospitals and health systems moving forward.

Equity of Care Award Winner Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital: Pathways to Health Equity Oct 06, 2023

The AHA's Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award recognizes outstanding efforts among hospitals and health care systems to advance equity of care and reduce health disparities within their communities. 2023 Emerging Winner, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), was honored for its passion and progress in advancing health equity. In this conversation, Franck Nelson, RWJUH assistant vice president of health equity, discusses the big steps the organization has taken to dismantle equity barriers in its care delivery system and the community it serves.

Integrating Behavioral and Physical Health to Treat the Whole Person Oct 04, 2023

In the United States, behavioral health and physical health can sometimes be treated as if they are unconnected, usually involving separate sites of care. One small, rural health system decided to override the usual way of doing things and provide a care model that reconnects treatment to the whole person. In this podcast, Charlie Forbush, chief administrative officer at Western Wisconsin Health, describes their hospital's behavioral health expansion within the schools and community, and how it made a difference in patients’ access to whole-person care.

Hearing the Voices of Human Trafficking Victims Sep 29, 2023

For health care professionals, victims of human trafficking aren’t easy to spot, and many victims are reluctant to share much about the horror they endured. Mercy Medical Center’s Blue Dot Human Trafficking Initiative flags potential victims of human trafficking for its team of 30 forensic nurses who serve the greater Baltimore region. In this conversation, Debra Holbrook, director of Forensic Nursing at Mercy Health Services, and David Maine, M.D., president and CEO at Mercy, explain the key successes of the Blue Dot initiative and how Mercy is making a huge impact in keeping its communities safe and secure.

For Our Kids: Pediatric Behavioral Health Needs With UMass Memorial Sep 27, 2023

When kids experience acute behavioral health needs, they need to be cared for at the right time and the right place. In this conversation, Brian Skehan, M.D., Ph.D., director of Pediatric Emergency Mental Health Services at UMass Memorial, and Jemima Amankwah, nurse manager of Emergency Mental Health at UMass Memorial, discuss caring for these specific pediatric patients and how UMass is helping kids receive treatment that fits their needs.

Leadership Dialogue Series: The Dynamic Work of Boards With Saint Luke’s Health System Sep 25, 2023

The many pressures squeezing health care providers have all served to make the role of hospital trustees, or governing board members, more important than ever. These boards have been charged with making sure that quality metrics are met and that strategic priorities guide the missions. In this conversation, John Haupert, president and CEO of Grady Health System and the 2023 Chair of AHA’s Board, and Greg Bentz, board chair of Saint Luke's Health and chair of AHA's Committee on Governance, discuss the thin margin of error that hospitals and health systems are facing, and how Saint Luke's is focusing on governance to help achieve the highest levels of excellence in providing health care.

How Technology Can Prepare the Health Care Workforce and Transform Care Sep 22, 2023

The gap between supply and demand for health care continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. Reinventing and transforming the nature of care delivery is essential for hospitals and health systems to achieve quality patient outcomes. In this conversation, hear how Northwestern Medicine is using digital technology to better prepare teams to work in the new world of health care, and why a digital mindset is vital to care transformation. This podcast is sponsored by Accenture.

FBI Violence Prevention Strategies to Assess and Manage Threats Against Health Care Sep 20, 2023

Since 2020 the health care workforce has faced a sharp increase in workplace violence. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has found that health care workers are five times more likely than any other type of worker to be physically attacked on the job. In this conversation, Karie Gibson, Psy.D., unit chief of one of the FBI’s five Behavioral Analysis Units, discusses the meaning of behavioral threat assessments and how it applies to the threat of violence against hospitals and health care teams.

Remembering the Highland Park Mass Shooting: Reflections and Lessons in Emergency Preparedness Sep 15, 2023

The 2022 mass shooting during the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois killed seven people, wounded another 48 and traumatized an entire community. In this emotional conversation, Gabrielle Cummings, president of NorthShore Highland Park Hospital, discusses how the hospital team responded head-on to an unfolding crisis and kept not only the Highland Park community together, but the health care staff as well.

Preventing Suicides in the Health Care Workforce: Steps to Supporting Every Worker Sep 13, 2023

The AHA’s Suicide Prevention Learning Collaborative was created to start a dialogue among health care providers about the best ways to provide support for health care workers. In this conversation, Paul Rains, senior vice president of behavioral health at CommonSpirit Health, discusses ideas and shared best practices to ensure that every health care worker is cared for and supported across the organization. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Lean-ing Toward Greater Efficiency in Daily Practice Sep 08, 2023

Clare Fox, physical therapist with North Country HealthCare in New Hampshire, shares why she left her native England to pursue her health career dreams in the United States. She explains how adopting the team-focused managerial approach she learned from the Lean Six Sigma training courses makes all the difference in efficient health care.

Checking in on You: Addressing Loneliness With Care Callers Sep 06, 2023

The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory on loneliness put a spotlight on the profound impact that social isolation is having on the physical and mental health of American communities. In this conversation, Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., president and CEO of Meritus Health, discusses their Care Callers program. The program enlists volunteers to call and check in on Meritus patients who report experiencing loneliness, with encouraging results.

Improving Maternal and Infant Services in Rural Iowa Sep 01, 2023

Millions of women across the United States have no access to maternal health care, particularly in rural areas that lack obstetric services. In this episode, leaders from St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, Iowa, discuss their newly piloted "Center for Excellence" and the Center's success in bringing care to infants and mothers within their community and beyond.

A Capital Effort in the Fight Against the Opioid Epidemic Aug 31, 2023

The majority of overdose deaths in the United States involve opioids. Already a huge problem pre-COVID-19, the pandemic has accelerated opioid misuse to levels never seen before in the U.S. In this conversation, a leader from the District of Columbia Hospital Association shares the multiple approaches they’re using to help curb the opioid epidemic and reach the communities most impacted.

A Whole of Nation Approach to Cybercrime: Secure by Design, Secure by Default Aug 30, 2023

The federal government and private sector face common dangers from ever-escalating cyberattacks that continually test their readiness and capabilities. In this discussion, two experts from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Atlantic Health System agree that what’s needed right now is an integrated “whole-of-nation” solution to handling today’s cyberthreats.

Vaccine Trust in Marginalized Communities With Children's National Hospital Aug 28, 2023

Parents will do anything to keep their kids healthy, yet many children remain unvaccinated for COVID-19. In this conversation, Claire O'Connell Boogaard, M.D., Children’s National Hospital pediatrician and COVID-19 vaccine program medical director, discusses the hospital's efforts to build trust in the COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, especially in historically marginalized communities.

New Strategies in a Disruptive Era With Johns Hopkins and Guidehouse Aug 25, 2023

In this post-pandemic era, health care leaders are finding new ways to strengthen performance through innovative approaches, while improving care, quality and patient safety. In this conversation hear how Johns Hopkins is using innovation to ensure long-term financial stability while managing day-to-day struggles. This podcast is brought to you by Guidehouse.

Building a Rural Nursing Workforce With Fisher-Titus Medical Center Aug 23, 2023

Building a robust nursing workforce is hugely important in providing quality care to patients, but poses unique challenges in rural Ohio. In this conversation, Fisher-Titus’s Stacy Daniel, director of clinical programs, and Katie Chieda, chief nursing officer, share how their team concentrated on recruiting international nurses to ensure that they remained a strong, independent health system for years to come.

How St. Luke’s Confronted the Virus Triple Threat Aug 21, 2023

With fall approaching, health officials across the country are once again bracing for a rise in respiratory illnesses, including the triple threat of COVID-19, flu and RSV. In this discussion, two St. Luke’s Health System experts describe how they pivoted to provide respiratory care during last year's surge, and how the rapid creation of Respiratory Outpatient Clinics across the state made a tremendous difference for their patients.

Working Towards Health Equity in the Rural Space Aug 18, 2023

Health equity is a discussion that is often framed only around race, but it means so much more. In this discussion, two heads of rural health systems explain how they're working to reach underserved communities, and the steps they're taking to get to full equity.

Quest for Quality Honorees on Challenges and the Impact of Equity on Care Aug 16, 2023

The AHA Quest for Quality Prize honors hospitals and health systems committed to leadership and innovation in improving quality and advancing health. In this podcast this year's three honorees talk about their achievements, reflect on the challenges they faced, and assess the real impact of equity on quality of care.

The Path to Follow When You Can't Go It Alone Aug 09, 2023

Mergers, acquisitions and affiliations. Most health care leaders agree that the future, especially for rural providers, will involve more cooperation and partnerships. In this podcast, three leaders from rural health care systems agree that every community must find its own unique way to maximize its health care resources while maintaining the best possible care for patients.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Addressing Workforce With Leaders From Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham Aug 07, 2023

2023 AHA Board Chair John Haupert talks with three health care leaders affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB): Terri Poe, chief nursing officer at UAB Medicine; Maria Rodriguez Shirey, dean of the UAB School of Nursing; and Shea Polancich, assistant dean for clinical innovation, UAB School of Nursing. Haupert and the UAB team discuss innovative ways to address workforce challenges in health care, and how strategic partnerships at UAB have increased the pipeline of local nurses while also improving quality outcomes for patients.

African American Leadership in Rural Hospitals Aug 04, 2023

Ruby Kirby is a proud and accomplished member of a small club: African American women who are CEO’s of rural hospitals. The 2022 recipient of AHA’s Rural Hospital Leadership Team Award, Kirby is CEO of both Bolivar and Camden hospitals. In this podcast, she discusses what has worked in making progress in quality and equity in rural health and how her team is using data to drive action and mentoring younger African American women for future leadership positions.

Foster G. McGaw Prize Finalist Cedars-Sinai on Its Commitment to Community Health and Health Equity Aug 02, 2023

The AHA’s prestigious Foster G. McGaw Prize honors health delivery organizations that have demonstrated a strategic approach to community health and health equity. Finalist Cedars-Sinai was one of the organizations honored in 2023 for leading the way. In this conversation, Jonathan Schreiber, Cedars-Sinai VP of community engagement, shares how they’re continually working to provide better care through impactful community programs.

Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Care and Community Population Health Jul 28, 2023

Rural health care providers face challenges in caring for their communities while coping with finite resources. In this conversation, guest Kevin Barnett, senior investigator with the Public Health Institute and board member for Trinity Health, discusses what it will take for rural providers to bridge the gap between clinical care and community population health, while also improving health equity.

What is a CLABSI and How to Prevent It Jul 26, 2023

In the health care field one of the scariest types of infections is called CLABSI, or Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection. In this episode, Nishant Prasad, M.D., attending physician and program director of infectious diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, shares how they re-approached CLABSI prevention by deeply examining structure and process, and how their work got them to zero CLABSIs in the last year.

Prepping for the Future: Succession Planning in Health Care Jul 19, 2023

Succession planning can feel like a luxury in health care, but its importance cannot be overstated. As hospitals continue to face workforce challenges, it is more critical than ever that they invest time and resources into developing and growing the next generation of leaders. Brian Juncker, managing partner of Strategic Talent Solutions, and Frank Venuto, Chief Human Capital Officer at Nebraska Medicine, join this discussion around succession planning and how to prep for future.

The Other Side of Rural Health Care Jul 14, 2023

Squeezed budgets, lack of insurance, transportation and access issues, dwindling patient populations — all problems facing rural health care providers in America. Titus Regional Medical Center is one such rural health system, serving about 88,000 people as the last independent system still operating in northeast Texas. In this episode, Terry Scoggin, CEO of Titus Regional Medical Center, discusses how the team at Titus reaches its community needs through innovative data and unparalleled compassion.

Enhancing Care for Older Patients with Age-Friendly Health Systems Jul 12, 2023

The population of adults ages 65 and older will exceed 95 million in the United States by the year 2060. As Americans age, hospitals and health systems need to adapt their models of care to address the unique needs of older adults. In this episode, Sonja Rosen, M.D., chief of geriatrics at Cedars-Sinai, shares updates on their journey as an Age-Friendly Health System, and discusses a multidisciplinary approach to providing quality care for older patients in the midst of a workforce shortage.

Fostering Trust in Pediatric Vaccinations with Gillette Children's Jul 07, 2023

Fostering trust in both the COVID-19 vaccines and other necessary pediatric vaccinations is an essential part of Gillette Children's effort to protect families and their communities. In this episode, Micah Niermann, M.D. discusses how Gillette Children's is reaching their pediatric community and fighting vaccine misinformation.

Am I Protected?: Sharing Cyber Threat Information Between the Government and Private Sector Jul 05, 2023

The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 was Congress’ fix to the confusing statutes that regulated the cyber threat information that could pass between the private sector and the federal government. Eight years later, many people still don’t know the law exists or what a valuable tool it can be. In this episode, guest Leonard Bailey, head of Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section’s Cybersecurity Unit with the Department of Justice, explores the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act and its benefits.

Convincing Your Community: MUSC Health's Drive to Vaccinate Against COVID-19 Jun 30, 2023

One of the biggest challenges communities faced during the COVID-19 pandemic wasn't just the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccines, but convincing people to take them. In this conversation, hear how MUSC Health in Charleston, South Carolina and the Charleston School district set the example by collaborating with community stakeholders in the school system and beyond to spread confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines.

Taking Care of You for Being You: The Path to Equitable LGBTQ+ Care Jun 28, 2023

The LGBTQIA+ community often faces barriers to equitable health care. In this conversation, guest David W. Rosenthal, D.O. of Northwell Health discusses bias, the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ patients, education and training for health care workers, and the paths to creating competent and outstanding health care for all people.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Anchoring Community Benefits with UMass Memorial Health Jun 26, 2023

There are many creative ways that hospitals and care providers support their communities beyond offering great medical care. In 2017 UMass Memorial Health chose to reimagine itself as an “anchor” hospital, taking on much more responsibility for the welfare of the communities it serves. Hear how in this conversation between John Haupert, president and CEO of Grady Health System and the 2023 Chair of AHA’s Board, and Doug Brown, president of UMass Memorial Community Hospitals and chief administrative officer for UMass Memorial Health

Creating a Support System for Black Women Leaders and CEOs Jun 23, 2023

For Black women who are hospital and health system CEOs, it's been difficult to find and connect with others like themselves. In 2022, the AHA launched the Black Women CEO Roundtable to create a support system and facilitate meaningful connections. In this conversation, roundtable member Asha Rodriguez, vice president, facility executive with Atrium Health Cabarrus, reflects on how the roundtable’s support, encouragement and honest dialogue have helped her bond with her fellow CEOs.

Getting to Near Zero With Infection Prevention Jun 21, 2023

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a big problem in health systems across the country. HAIs can be defeated, and Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York City recently experienced great success in getting to the magic number of zero with three different HAIs. Today's guest, Dr. Waleed Javaid, MSBI epidemiologist and director of Infection Prevention and Control, shares tried and true strategies he and his team have implemented that can be adapted by other health care organizations.

The Role of Fathers in Maternal and Child Health Jun 16, 2023

Men can have a significant influence in supporting women during their pregnancy, and can be essential allies in creating better outcomes for mother and child. Guests Dr. Amina Alio of University of Rochester Medical Center, and Jonathan Webb, CEO of the Association of Women's Health Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses, explore the role of fathers in maternal and child health, and how addressing fathers’ needs can improve the overall well-being of a family.

The Benefits and Challenges of Converting to a Rural Emergency Hospital Jun 14, 2023

The creation of the Rural Emergency Hospital designation on January 1, 2023 was intended to offer struggling rural hospitals a new financial lifeline. Converting to REH has its benefits, but also its challenges. Anson General Hospital CEO Ted Matthews and chief nursing officer Anna Doan speak about how this new designation has worked out so far, and what the local patient population thinks about the move.

Aligning Health Equity and Community Health Goals Jun 12, 2023

Today marks the start of Community Health Improvement Week, a time to highlight hospitals and community organizations working together to enhance health. In this episode, the AHA’s Nancy Myers and Chris DeRienzo discuss where community health and equity goals are headed, and what are the driving forces behind the movement to align them.

How Community Investment Saved a Rural Health System Jun 09, 2023

Serving a small rural community in upper Michigan, Mackinac Straits Health System was once in dire financial straits, operating on only a few days of cash reserves. Karen Cheeseman, Mackinac Straits president and CEO, explains how the health system turned things around thanks to strategic planning and critical investments from community partners.

Strengthening Risk Communications in Rural Health Care Emergency Management Jun 07, 2023

Communicating information is critical during emergencies and disasters. Phelps Health shares proven strategies for successful risk communication in times of crisis, which can be adopted by other health care organizations.

Environmental Sustainability in the World of Health Care Jun 05, 2023

There is growing awareness in the health care field that becoming a better steward of the environment is something well within the capabilities of most health caregivers. In fact, it benefits the overall mission in ways we often don’t think about. One environmental officer whose health care organization has been paying close attention to environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint since the 1990s frames it this way: “It’s part of our work, not additional work.”

Protecting Heath Care Workers from Being Targets of Violence Jun 02, 2023

A survey of 1,000 caregivers in April of 2022 found that 92 percent had directly experienced or witnessed workplace violence. The problem has been growing exponentially for years, and prompted the AHA to create #HAVhope Day, a national day of awareness to highlight how America’s hospitals and health systems combat violence in their workplaces and communities. Hear some of the ways health care leaders are tackling the problem of workplace aggression and the potential solutions.

Innovative Workforce Strategies to Lead Your Organization Forward May 31, 2023

America’s health care workers are the backbone of hospitals and health systems to provide strong patient care. Hear recommendations for the bold and innovative approaches that are needed to support current staff, and recruit the health care workers of tomorrow. This podcast is sponsored by Relias.

Recruiting the Next Generation of Behavioral Health Professionals May 26, 2023

The shortage of behavioral health care professionals is a serious public health issue, particularly in rural areas. In rural Iowa, some care providers have found successful new pathways to recruit, train and retain behavioral health specialists.

Finding the Right Words: The Role of Peer Support with Mental Health May 24, 2023

For health care workers, finding the right words to support a colleague struggling with their mental health or thoughts of suicide can be challenging. According to Luci New, assistant professor of Nurse Anesthesia at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the best thing you can say to a struggling colleague is simple: “I care about you.”

Leadership Dialogue Series: Addressing the Behavioral Health Crisis with John Muir Health May 22, 2023

Hospitals and health systems are playing an increasingly important role in providing behavioral health care, whether in their own facilities or by helping patients connect with community resources. It’s a positive trend. But the need for behavioral health services is great, and the gap between needs and resources remains wide.

Addressing Food Insecurity in Rural Tennessee May 19, 2023

When a community health needs assessment was conducted in Hardeman County, Tennessee, it confirmed that not only was obesity a serious health threat for adults and children, but accessing food at all was a problem for many county residents. Fortunately, their local hospitals decided to address food insecurity in the county and take action.

“Period Poverty”: A Crisis for American Girls May 17, 2023

Across America, many girls lack access to menstrual products, facing a public health crisis known as “period poverty.” Without these products, girls can miss school, be humiliated and experience health problems. One health system is addressing the problem in its community and looking to help.

Unsustainable Costs of Caring May 12, 2023

America’s hospitals and health systems are facing a tidal wave of financial challenges, with finances stretched to their breaking point by three years of pandemic and now post-pandemic strain. In this episode, we discuss the AHA’s recently released 2023 Costs of Caring Report, which documents the skyrocketing growth in expenses, especially the cost of labor.

Increasing Support for Health Care Workers' Mental Health and Well-being May 10, 2023

Health care workers are stressed out, stretched out, burned out and leaving the profession in truly alarming numbers. It doesn’t have to be this way and there are opportunities to make workplaces engines of mental health and well-being. Three experts make the case that the physical and mental well-being of our workforce is best for patients, makes good business sense, and is actually a precondition for delivering top notch medical care.

Retaining A Rural Nursing Workforce: It Takes A Village May 05, 2023

Attracting and retaining nurses presents a major workforce challenge, particularly in rural health care settings. At the University of Vermont Health Network, leaders realized that the ongoing nursing shortage crisis required creative solutions, including investment in the well-being of the nursing staff.

The Growing Role of Emergency Departments in Behavioral Health Services May 03, 2023

The past five years have seen a rise in the number of people turning to their local hospital emergency departments for behavioral health and addiction services. To meet the growing need, some hospitals and health systems are creatively addressing this challenge and expanding their ED offerings. The results are already making a big difference in communities.

Innovating Virus Care for Pediatric Patients Apr 26, 2023

Hospitals across the country have found innovative ways to increase their capacity, improve care and take care of health care workers while treating COVID-19 patients throughout this pandemic. Jerrod Milton, chief clinical officer and senior vice president of Professional Services at Children’s Hospital Colorado, stops by the podcast to talk about COVID-19’s impact on pediatric health care and share lessons and innovations in managing the confluence of this unprecedented virus, along with RSV and the flu.

The CY24 Medicare Advantage Final Rule: Key Updates and Changes Apr 25, 2023

Medicare Advantage or MA Plans are another way for beneficiaries to get Medicare Part A and Part B coverage delivered through private health insurance companies. In this podcast, listen to Medicare Advantage updates and some of the changes that are on the way in the CMS final rule next year. This podcast was recorded at the 2023 Annual Meeting in Washington D.C.

How One Hospital is Navigating Rising Inflation and Workforce Pressures Apr 24, 2023

The financial stability of America's hospitals and health systems is at risk as the costs of caring continue to rise. According to a recent AHA report, the cost of drugs, supplies and labor has skyrocketed over the past few years, and that's been met with continued underpayments from government payers. In this podcast, the AHA's Bharath Krishnamurthy, director of Health Analytics and Policy, explores what this imbalance means for patient care with Dr. Anthony Coleman, President and Chief executive officer of Broadlawns Medical Center in Iowa. This podcast was recorded at the 2023 American Hospital Association's annual membership meeting in Washington, D.C.

A CEO's Perspective: Key Learnings to Strengthen Cybersecurity Apr 23, 2023

Despite the resources thrown at them and the defensive walls in place, cyber attacks directed against hospital and health systems remain a very potent and active threat. When one incursion is shut down, it doesn't take long for cybercriminals to try another method of attack. In this podcast, hear what one prominent health system CEO learned and what he wants all health leaders to understand about cybersecurity. This podcast was recorded live at the 2023 AHA Annual Meeting.

Big Changes With the New Rural Emergency Hospital Model Apr 21, 2023

For critical access hospitals and rural hospitals with 50 beds or fewer, an attractive new option became available on January 1st of this year. That was the opportunity to seek designation as a new rural emergency hospital, which expands the conditions under which hospitals can seek payment from Medicare.

Codes of Conduct – An Approach to Reducing Workplace Violence Apr 19, 2023

Last year, Massachusetts health care workers faced a threat, verbal abuse or a physical assault every 38 minutes on average. A report on the situation summarized it with one word: untenable. The report also recommended a new patient and visitor Code of Conduct to help promote a safe and respectful environment. Today’s episode features three Bay State health care leaders who endorse the idea. For more information on The Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association and AHA's Hospitals Against Violence resources please visit https://www.mhalink.org/ and www.aha.org/HAV.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Accelerating Health Equity with CHRISTUS Health Apr 17, 2023

Is there real health care quality without equity? How do we preserve the dignity of every human being who comes through our doors? In 2023, these questions are top of mind for just about every hospital and health system leader and their team to consider. CHRISTUS Health has been very active in their its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and DEI has been hardwired into its mission and strategic goals.

Doulas: A Strategy to Address Maternal and Infant Health Apr 12, 2023

The U.S. faces a growing health crisis, with maternal health falling alarmingly behind many other developed nations. The solution isn’t simple, but some hospitals are recognizing the impactful role of doulas programs in maternity care. Hear how doulas provide women with physical and emotional support, and make a difference in addressing maternal and infant health disparities.

Advocating for Rural Health Providers Apr 07, 2023

For rural health care providers, 2022 ended on an up note, when AHA was able to secure some important policy wins in the final omnibus appropriations package to fund the government. This year brings a new set of challenges, goals and opportunities. In this episode, three AHA rural health care policy experts discuss the 2023 rural advocacy agenda for Congress and the Administration.

Delivering Health Care and Hope to Ukraine Apr 05, 2023

For more than a year, we’ve seen heartbreaking images from the war in Ukraine. The war’s damage has severely limited the ability of Ukrainian health care workers to provide critical aid to their fellow citizens. Hear how one Illinois health care worker has launched a humanitarian effort to deliver much-needed ambulances and medical supplies to the people of Ukraine.

Closing the Immunity Gap with Advocate Children's Hospital Mar 29, 2023

Some experts have suggested that RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) was more severe last year because of an immunity gap from several years of social distancing and COVID-19 precautions. They also suggest that COVID-19 is to blame for the early arrival and more devastating effects of RSV and the flu. Listen to how Advocate Children's Hospital is working towards managing this alarming new gap and how they have persevered through the triple threat of COVID-19, RSV and the flu. To learn more about vaccine confidence please visit www.aha.org/vaccineconfidence

Leadership Dialogue Series: Creating a Culture of Innovation with Hackensack Meridian Health Mar 27, 2023

AHA Board Chair John Haupert is joined by Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, based in New Jersey. In this conversation, Haupert and Garrett discuss the important role of hospitals and health systems in leading medical research and innovation to transform health care and make patient care better, accessible and more efficient.

Hacking the Hackers: The FBI’s Takedown of the Hive Ransomware Gang Mar 22, 2023

The FBI is the lead agency tasked with investigating cybercrime, including defending hospitals and health systems from frequent cyberattacks. Hear the dramatic story of their recent takedown of the Hive ransomware gang, whose criminal enterprise threatened patient safety.

Strategies for Building Powerful Community Partnerships Mar 15, 2023

Clinicians, social service providers and community members make up the health care triangle: strong, connective links between the three create the kind of impactful partnerships that drive progress and advance health. But confronted with finite resources, how can frontline leaders know which tactics and partnerships will bring the best results and lead to the outcome we all seek – healthy, equitable communities where everyone reaches their highest potential for health? The new Integrators Toolkit provides some guidance. For more information on Nemours initiative please visit https://www.movinghealthcareupstream.org/population-health-integrators/ For more information on AHA's Bridging the Sectors resources please visit https://www.aha.org/center/population-health-management/bridging-the-sectors

Long COVID: Preparing for the Next Major Chronic Illness Mar 08, 2023

Long COVID — with symptoms ranging from fatigue and dizziness to shortness of breath and loss of smell — is disabling millions of Americans. And health care leaders across the country are recognizing the need for a coordinated response to stem the impact of what is essentially our newest chronic illness.

Advancing Women’s Health through an Equity Lens Mar 01, 2023

For Women’s History Month, we turn the spotlight to a female-led venture capital firm that is out to change women’s lives for the better. SteelSky Ventures invests in innovative companies that work to improve health outcomes for women by focusing on improving health care access, quality and affordability.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Strengthening Rural Health Care with Jennifer Havens Feb 27, 2023

With the distinct challenges facing rural hospitals and health systems, access to critical services — like maternal health care and emergency medical services — is at risk. In this Leadership Dialogue Series podcast, John Haupert, president and CEO of Atlanta-based Grady Health System and the 2023 Chair of AHA’s Board, is joined by Jennifer Havens, CEO of UnityPoint Health – Grinnell Regional Medical Center, a 49-bed hospital serving several counties in Iowa. The two health care leaders discuss how GRMC has “tried to turn lemons into lemonade” to address challenges and improve care delivery. Havens also discusses the benefits of the hospital’s affiliation with UnityPoint Health, including increasing health care access in the community.

Increasing Representation of Black Men in Medicine Feb 22, 2023

America is already running short on physicians, and every health labor forecast projects it will only get worse in the next decade or so. Even more alarming the percentage of Black male physicians in the field has been basically unchanged for the past 80 years and isn’t showing signs of growth even now. It’s more important than ever to ask what can be done to attract, recruit and train more talented young Black men to the practice of medicine? And what implications would that have on the goal of health equity and a diverse workforce?

Developing the Next Generation of Health Care Leaders Feb 15, 2023

The just-concluded NFL season saw the retirement of one legendary quarterback and the rise of another ready to take his place. Just as athletic leaders change places, so too do health care leaders make way for the next generation. In this episode, we learn more about the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. Sponsored by Accenture, the year-long program focuses on mentoring promising leaders for the future, and training the kind of rising young stars who can help to bring about real and lasting change in the hospitals and health systems in which they serve.

Going "Code Dark": An Emergency Response to Cyberattacks Feb 08, 2023

In most hospitals, highly-trained staff members know just what to do in the case of an emergency, whether it is a fire, hurricane, or even an active shooter. But what happens when that emergency comes in the form of a dangerous cyberattack? Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., has developed a system-wide “off” switch that staff can activate if it is clear that the hospital has come under a broad-based ransomware or malware attack.

Addressing Urgent Challenges in Behavioral Health While Thinking Long Term Feb 01, 2023

Hospitals and health systems continue to face serious economic challenges relating to escalating expenses and staffing shortages. One health system met the challenge head on. Mary Marran of Care New England explains how they kept their focus on short-term economic recovery plans, while addressing an urgent long-term need — improving access to behavioral health care.

Leadership Dialogue Series: 2023 AHA Board Chair John Haupert Jan 30, 2023

On this Leadership Dialogue Series podcast, two chairs of the American Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees come together to share their insights on the state of health care in our country, and what hospitals and health systems can look forward to in 2023. John Haupert, president and CEO of Atlanta-based Grady Health System and the 2023 chair of AHA’s board, is joined by the leader he just succeeded — AHA’s Immediate Past Board Chair, Wright Lassiter III, CEO of CommonSpirit Health. It would be hard to find two health care CEOs more in touch with what’s happening in the field right now. Join John and Wright as they explore key issues, including workforce, virtual care and partnerships.

Developing a Universal and Secure Electronic Health Information System Jan 25, 2023

For years, hospitals and health systems have shared the goal of developing an interoperable health care information system that shares data across providers. The advantages are significant: faster, more accurate transfer of patient records that can result in more effective treatment. Less of an administrative burden for doctors, nurses and other caregivers. Overall, a smoother system that better serves everyone’s needs. But here’s a key question: how does such a system deliver sensitive information to those who have a need for it … and keep it out of the hands of those that don’t? In January 2021, Micky Tripathi assumed the job of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. There, he leads the formulation of the federal health IT strategy and coordinates federal health IT policies, standards, programs, and investments. In this podcast with the AHA’s Nancy Foster, Tripathi talks about what his office is doing to help care providers achieve the health information sharing system they want and deserve.

Confronting Behavioral Health Challenges with Avera Health Jan 18, 2023

Since the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic in March 2020, our nation’s hospitals have paid a significant financial toll … and psychiatric hospitals are no exception.  Inpatient psychiatric admissions declined heavily throughout the pandemic. And while health professional shortages have long impeded behavioral health care access, the recent and forthcoming retirements of more than half of the current workforce, due in part to the COVID pandemic, only adds to provider challenges. In this podcast, Jordan Steiger, senior program manager, Behavioral Health, Clinical Affairs and Workforce at the AHA, speaks with Matthew Stanley, clinical vice president, Behavioral Health Service Line, with Avera Health, Sioux Falls, SD Like many hospitals and health systems, Avera Health continues to face significant challenges as expenses continue to escalate, patient boarding in emergency departments grows, and staffing shortages, often addressed by hiring expensive travel nurses as a solution, combine to create unsustainable budget pressures. Undeterred, Dr. Stanley and his team have accelerated their work to improve access to behavioral health care in the face of these daunting obstacles.

Caring for Family Caregivers Part 4: The Future of Family Caregiving Jan 13, 2023

In part 4 of this podcast series, Nancy Myers, vice president of leadership system innovation at the American Hospital Association, is joined by clinical services director Lynette Harvey of the Camarillo Health Care District and high risk program manager Maureen Hodge of Community Memorial Health System, both in Ventura County, California. The discussion: understanding the role of hospital and community partnerships to innovate programs and models that provide family caregivers with greater support today and in the future.

Caring for Family Caregivers Part 3: Navigating Caregiving Relationships Jan 11, 2023

Family caregivers are not just for pediatric and geriatric patients anymore. Family members are caring for patients of all ages and with a wide range of health care needs – from primary care to tertiary advanced care. In today’s episode, Nancy Myers, vice president of leadership system innovation at the American Hospital Association, is joined by gerontologist Dr. Maziar Goshtasbi and high risk program manager Maureen Hodge, both from Community Memorial Health System in Ventura, California. They discuss the growing rate of patients who rely on family caregivers, and why health care providers need hospital, family and community involvement in patient care and caregiver support.

How Hackensack Meridian Health’s Lab Helped Accelerate Their Value-based Care Journey Jan 06, 2023

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Quest Diagnostics. Value-based health care is truly a game changer — a model that pays care providers based on patient outcomes, not on the amount of services delivered. It is the wave of the future, the direction that nearly all hospitals and health systems are moving toward towards regardless of size or services provided. Every hospital function has a role to play in achieving value-based care, including one that patients have little direct contact with: the laboratory. Hospitals labs perform lots of different tests and diagnostics on behalf of patients. And they’re really good at it. But like most functions, if you look long and hard enough at it, you’ll identify ways to improve. Join us to hear insights from Hackensack Meridian Health on how they were able to accelerate their value-based care journey by taking advantage of three unique ways that the laboratory can help define better clinical pathways, minimize care variation across various diagnosis codes and realize savings.

From Quiet Quitting to Sustainable Well-Being Jan 04, 2023

Burnout is not new, but the COVID-19 pandemic has helped fuel this workplace phenomenon. As teams banded together over the last two-plus years to support each other and the communities they serve, many of the boundaries and expectations around work and life shifted. The societal impact of the pandemic has redefined expectations for work - and life - and brought us terms like the great resignation and quiet quitting. As we emerge from the acute phase of the pandemic, understanding how we can build sustainable, meaningful careers will be the difference. In this episode, Elisa Arespacochaga, AHA vice president of clinical affairs and workforce, sits down with Dr. Gaurava Agarwal, Chief Wellness executive for Northwestern Medicine, to talk about how he is building organizational well-being through sustainability.

Best of Advancing Health: Hospitals at Home with UnityPoint Health Dec 30, 2022

Thanks for listening to the Advancing Health podcast! We hope you have found it useful and informative! As we wind up 2022 we wanted to re-release two of our most popular episodes from the last year. Advancing Health returns with new episodes in 2023. Until then we hope you and your family have a safe and wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!

Best of Advancing Health: Lessons Learned from Ransomware Attack with UVM Health Dec 28, 2022

Happy holidays and thanks for listening to the Advancing Health podcast. We hope you have found it useful and informative! As we wind up 2022 we wanted to re-release two of our most popular episodes from the last year. Advancing Health returns with new episodes in 2023. Until then we hope you and your family have a safe and wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!

#JustLead featuring Novant Health Dec 21, 2022

Welcome to final episode of the American Hospital Association's special podcast series #JustLead, a look at how hospitals and health systems that have been recognized with AHA awards for innovation collaboration and health equity, are transforming healthcare to better serve their communities. Over the past few years the concept of equity in health care has increasingly been moving from words in an online mission statement into real steps and concrete actions taken by health care providers all across the country. The American Hospital Association's annual Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care award was established to recognize and salute outstanding efforts among hospitals systems to advance equity of care. In this podcast, Ashleigh Hargrave, Senior Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity at Novant Health in Winston Salem, North Carolina, sits down to discuss Novant Health's drive for health equity and its achievements.

Caring for Family Caregivers Part 2: Gaining Perspective and Supporting the Family Caregiver Dec 16, 2022

The caregiver experience is one that’s deeply personal and unique. Understanding how to support caregivers means hearing their stories, and better understanding their needs and challenges, so that collaboratively-developed programs at the community level can support them. Nancy Myers, vice president of leadership system innovation at the American Hospital Association, leads this second episode of a four-part series of discussions on hospital and community partnerships that support family caregivers. In this episode, Nancy hears the personal story of caregiver Dale Harmon of Ventura, California, and talks to Janice Aharon-Ezer, clinical program manager at Ventura’s Community Memorial Health System, to understand how CMHS’s caregiver navigator program collaboratively supports Dale and others.

Caring for Family Caregivers Part 1: Understanding the Role of the Caregiver Dec 14, 2022

Caregiving for a family member or friend affected by a chronic or long-term health condition is an important public health issue affecting millions of people. As the need for family caregivers grows, it’s critical to understand and respond to the physical and mental health burdens they face. In this special Hospital-Community Partnership podcast series, Nancy Myers, vice president of leadership system innovation at the American Hospital Association, leads a four-part series of discussions on hospital and community partnerships to support family caregivers. In this episode, Nancy is joined by Maureen Hodge, high risk program manager, and Janice Aharon-Ezer, clinical program manager, both from Community Memorial Health System in Ventura, California. The discussion: defining the role of family caregiver, understanding caregiver needs and offering help.

Reducing cyber risks that threaten patient safety and care delivery with CENSINET Dec 07, 2022

“We want to make sure that every provider has the ability to protect itself and its patients, and not have to worry about budgets or funding to do the right thing.” Those words from a leading health care cybersecurity expert are music to the ears of hospital and health system leaders whose systems have been the target of criminal cybersecurity intrusions … both attempted and successful. So, how can providers achieve this higher level of safety from cyber-attacks? In this episode we are joined by Ed Gaudet, founder of Censinet, one of the AHA’s carefully vetted Preferred Cybersecurity Providers. Gaudet is an expert of many years in the field. In addition to leading his company, he is active on a government task force establish by “The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015” whose mission is to improve cybersecurity in health care. Along the way, Ed crossed paths with John Riggi, AHA’s National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk. In this podcast, John and Ed discuss how Censinet’s approach to cyber security can help members - regardless of size or budget - to reduce the cyber risks that threaten patient safety and care delivery.

#JustLead featuring Jefferson Health Dec 05, 2022

Welcome to the American Hospital Association special podcast series. #JustLead, a look at how hospitals and health systems that have been recognized with awards for innovation, collaboration and health equity are transforming health care to better serve their communities. Today we are joined by an honoree of the AHA 2022 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award, Jefferson Health in Philadelphia. Here to share their story with us is Dr. Sandra Brooks, executive vice president, chief community health officer and chief medical officer for the Center City Division at Jefferson Health. Carolyn Boone Lewis was a tireless advocate for equity in health care. She was also the first African-American and first hospital trustee to serve as board chair of the American Hospital Association. The ACA acknowledges her lasting contributions with the Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care award presented annually to recognize the outstanding efforts among hospitals and health care systems to advance equity of care to all patients and spread lessons learned and progress towards diversity, inclusion and health equity.

[SPONSORED] Learnings from Palomar Health’s "Acute Hospital Care at Home" Initiative Dec 02, 2022

Ask a hospital patient to name their #1 wish, and most will say: “I wish I were home right now.” These days, as an increasing number of hospitals and health systems rethink their care delivery models, that wish is starting to come true. Many care providers these days are considering an acute hospital-at-home approach as one of the safest and one of the most effective care options for certain patients and conditions. As a result, the hospital-at-home care model is emerging as a promising and transformative approach to improve patient outcomes and experience. Join us to hear how Palomar Health’s transformational “Acute Hospital Care at Home Initiative” is delivering great care to select patients in the environment they like best: their own homes. Palomar’s clinical operations redesign was ready in just six months, and has already been granted waiver approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Today’s podcast is brought to you by Guidehouse.

Improving Older Adult Care in the Geriatric Emergency Department Nov 30, 2022

The nation’s population of older adults is increasing, but the system of emergency medicine isn’t optimally designed for their specific, complex and multi-layered needs. So what can the field do to better adapt to an aging population? Medical support frameworks for older adults remain inadequate, particularly in the emergency department. In today’s discussion about older adult care in the ED, Marie Cleary-Fishman, AHA’s vice president of clinical quality, is joined by Dr. Kevin Biese. Dr. Biese serves as the University of North Carolina Hospitals Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, as well as its Co-Director of the Division of Geriatric Emergency Medicine.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Discussing How Health Systems Benefit Communities with Eugene Woods Nov 28, 2022

As the health care field continues to undergo significant change in its business and care models, it’s clear there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to facing the future. Communities of different sizes have different needs. Scale is important, and that’s where health systems have much to offer. On this Leadership Dialogue Series podcast, AHA Board Chair Wright L. Lassiter III is joined by Eugene Woods, president and CEO of Atrium Health, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Gene is also a former chair of the AHA Board of Trustees. Wright and Gene talk about the role of health systems within the U.S. health care system today, and how the scale they offer can benefit communities and foster innovation. And in this time of significant financial and workforce challenges facing hospitals and health systems, the two health care leaders discuss the impact of these challenges and how Atrium Health is addressing them. Gene also shares examples of how Atrium Health teams continue to explore innovation and partnerships across different sectors.

#JustLead featuring Broward Health Nov 23, 2022

Everyday hospitals and health systems are doing some of the most innovative work in America, finding new ways and new partners to collaborate with to advance the health of their communities. Today on the podcast, Dr. Ana Calderon Randazzo, executive director of the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center at Broward Health, based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida chats with the AHA about the Center's Continous Care program and how it's making a difference. The Center’s Continuous Care Program was among five programs honored by this year’s NOVA Award. Welcome to the American Hospital Association’s new podcast series #JustLead, a series highlighting how hospitals and health systems that have been recognized with AHA Awards for innovation, collaboration, and health equity, are transforming health care for their communities,

Behavioral Health Success Part 2: Using a Historic Waiver to Expand CAH Psychiatric Beds Nov 18, 2022

Rural America is in crisis. A spike in suicides and deaths by substance abuse has strained communities already struggling with a lack of clinical and inpatient resources. But there is hope. In part two of this special podcast series, John Supplitt, senior director of Rural Health Services, AHA and Jordan Steiger, senior program manager, AHA clinical affairs and workforce, are joined by Stephanie Greer, president of Cannon Memorial Hospital, an Appalachian regional behavioral health hospital and critical access hospital in Newland, North Carolina. Listen to how Cannon Memorial succeeded in obtaining an unprecedented Medicare waiver that allowed it to expand the inpatient capacity for psychiatric services in the community.

#JustLead featuring Cheshire Medical Center Nov 16, 2022

Welcome to the American Hospital Association’s new podcast series #JustLead, a series highlighting how hospitals and health systems that have been recognized with AHA Awards for innovation, collaboration, and health equity, are transforming health care for their communities. One of the five programs recognized with a 2022 AHA Dick Davidson NOVA Award is The Doorway at Cheshire Medical Center, in Keene New Hampshire. The Doorway specializes in substance use disorder, finding new ways to reach out to and treat that vulnerable population. Nelson Hayden leads the program; and Laurie Butz-MeyerRose is a clinician at Doorway. The annual AHA Dick Davidson NOVA awards recognize the stars of this effort. The awards salute those programs that are helping to address many of our nation’s most pressing health challenges while creating healthier communities and increasing well-being for their neighbors. By the way, the deadline for applications for the 2023 NOVA Award is November 16th. You can learn more at www.aha.org/nova.

Behavioral Health Success Part 1: Combating a Suicide Surge Through Rural Community Collaboration Nov 14, 2022

Rural America is in crisis. A spike in suicides and deaths by substance abuse has strained communities already struggling with a lack of clinical and inpatient resources. But there is hope. Led by their local health systems, two rural communities in Colorado and North Carolina have rallied to meet the challenge — and they’re changing the fortunes of those that live and work there. In this two-part series, we learn how these communities are developing new and innovative solutions to build capacity for behavioral health services. In today’s part one podcast, John Supplitt, senior director of Rural Health Services, AHA, and Jordan Steiger, senior program manager, AHA clinical affairs and workforce, start the discussion with some alarming statistics about the prevalence of mental health issues — including thoughts of suicide in many rural communities. Then Will Cook, President and CEO of Vail Health in Colorado, joins the podcast, to discuss solving the “paradise paradox” and stemming the surge of suicides in Eagle River Valley, Colorado.

[Special Edition] Midterm Election Results: The Potential Impact on Hospitals and Health Care Nov 10, 2022

Millions of people across the country cast their ballots in the 2022 mid-term elections. While some votes are still being counted and certain races remain too close to call on the day after Election Day. On today’s podcast, Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, AHA's senior vice president of federal relations, advocacy and political affairs, leads a discussion with two veteran political consultants – Dave Bockorny, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Bockorny Group, and Dave Leiter, President of Plurus Strategies. They examine key results of the House and Senate races (1:08), thoughts on the future 2024 election (16:57), and the mid-term election's impact on health care in America (24:14).

#JustLead featuring Children's Minnesota Nov 07, 2022

Welcome to the American Hospital Association’s new podcast series #JustLead, a series highlighting how hospitals and health systems that have been recognized with AHA Awards for innovation, collaboration, and health equity, are transforming health care for their communities, AHA’s 2022 NOVA Awards recognized five programs, among them “Community Connect,” from Children’s Minnesota in Minneapolis/St. Paul. In a nutshell, the program uses well-child visits at primary care clinics to identify unmet health-related social needs. In this podcast, Community Connect’s manager joins AHA’s senior associate director for media relations to discuss the successful results. The annual AHA Dick Davidson NOVA awards recognize the stars of this effort. The awards salute those programs that are helping to address many of our nation’s most pressing health challenges while creating healthier communities and increasing well-being for their neighbors. By the way, the deadline for applications for the 2023 NOVA Award is November 16th. You can learn more at www.aha.org/nova.

#JustLead featuring Spectrum Health Nov 02, 2022

The School Blue Envelope Suicide Prevention Program – a creation of Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Mich. – is among the five programs recognized with a 2022 NOVA Award. The program lays out specific steps school administrators can take if they learn that a student has thoughts of suicide. In this podcast, two Spectrum Health experts join AHA’s senior associate director for media relations to discuss the difference their approach has made. Welcome to the American Hospital Association’s new podcast series #JustLead, a series highlighting how hospitals and health systems that have been recognized with AHA Awards for innovation, collaboration, and health equity, are transforming health care for their communities. The annual AHA Dick Davidson NOVA awards recognize the stars of this effort. The awards salute those programs that are helping to address many of our nation’s most pressing health challenges while creating healthier communities and increasing well-being for their neighbors. The deadline for applications for the 2023 NOVA Award is November 16th. You can learn more at www.aha.org/nova.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Health Care and Climate Change with Joanne Conroy, M.D. Oct 31, 2022

In the midst of all the change surrounding the health care field right now, the impact of climate change has sometimes been overlooked. But for Dartmouth Health in New Hampshire, that is starting to what else? … change. The health care field is increasingly aware of the impact of climate change. More and more, organizations are thinking about how to address environmental sustainability. On this Leadership Dialogue Series podcast, AHA Board Chair Wright L. Lassiter III is joined by Joanne M. Conroy, CEO and president of Dartmouth Health in Hanover, New Hampshire. Conroy also is the Chair-elect Designate of the AHA Board of Trustees and will succeed Lassiter in that job next year. The two health care leaders discuss the creation of a group, the Alliance for Health and Climate Change, which is focused on identifying big and small changes to decrease the Dartmouth’s carbon footprint. Conroy tells Wright that her employees have lots of good ideas, such as covering all parking areas with solar panels, and Dartmouth Health is open to trying as many of them as it can.

#JustLead featuring Salinas Valley Memorial Health and Montage Health Oct 28, 2022

Every day, hospitals and health systems are doing some of the most innovative work in America, finding new ways and new partners to collaborate with to advance the health of their communities. Each is turning to a different approach for patient care. Welcome to the American Hospital Association's new podcast series, Just Lead, a series highlighting how hospitals and health systems that have been recognized with awards for innovation, collaboration and health equity are transforming health care for their communities. The annual AHA Dick Davidson Nova Awards recognize the stars of this effort. The awards salute those programs that are helping to address many of our nation's most pressing health challenges while creating healthier communities and increasing well-being for their neighbors. The deadline for applications for the 2023 NOVA Awards is November 16th. You can learn more at www.aha.org/nova. One of the five programs recognized with the 2022 Nova Award is California's Monterey County Diabetes Collaborative. A joint venture from the Salinas Valley Memorial Health Care System and Montage Health. With me today are Dr. Steven Packer, president and CEO of Montage Health in Monterey, California and Pete Delgado, president and CEO of Salinas Valley Memorial Health Care System.

Rural Hospitals in Peril Oct 26, 2022

Some 63 million rural residents across the U.S. depend on their area hospital as their primary – and often only – source of accessible medical care. Yet a variety of factors have caused the closure of 136 rural hospitals from 2010 to 2021, with a record 19 closures in 2020 alone. Most reasons are economic. They include low reimbursement rates, staffing shortages, low patient volume and regulatory barriers, as well as the continued financial challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, expenses for labor, drugs, supplies and equipment have skyrocketed. In this podcast Jeff Subler, president and CEO of Wayne HealthCare in Greenville, Ohio, discusses the unique challenges facing rural communities and rural hospitals, the impact closures have on the communities they serve, and the role Congress must play in extending programs such as Low-volume Adjustments that support rural hospitals.

Addressing the Burden of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Oct 21, 2022

In this episode, Shanna Cox, associate director for science in CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health, and Aisha Syeda, senior program manager for AHA’s strategic initiatives, discuss the reasons behind the increase in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, its health outcomes, and what hospitals can do to identify and prevent associated complications. Additionally, Cox shares strategies and resources hospitals can use to guide this work with equity in mind, including assets from the CDC’s Hear Her campaign.

#JustLead featuring NorthShore University HealthSystem Oct 19, 2022

#JustLead featuring NorthShore University HealthSystem by American Hospital Association

#JustLead featuring Ochsner Medical Center Oct 17, 2022

#JustLead is a new AHA’s podcast series highlighting how hospitals and health systems that have been recognized with AHA Awards for innovation, collaboration, and health equity are transforming health care for their communities. Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans was a 2022 finalist for AHA’s Quest for Quality Prize, presented annually to honor leadership and innovation in achieving high-quality health care and advancing health in communities. In this podcast, Dr. Armin Schubert, vice president for medical affairs, and Dr. Ryan Truxillo, a family medicine specialist, discuss how Ochsner confronted the problem of patient deterioration and made process changes that resulted in dramatic improvement over a two-year period. Apply for the 2023 Quest for Quality Award at www.aha.org/questforquality

#JustLead featuring WellSpan Health Oct 14, 2022

#JustLead is a new AHA’s podcast series highlighting how hospitals and health systems that have been recognized with AHA Awards for innovation, collaboration, and health equity are transforming health care for their communities. WellSpan Health of York, Pa., was a 2022 finalist for AHA’s Quest for Quality Prize, presented annually to honor leadership and innovation in achieving high-quality health care and advancing health in communities. In this podcast, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer Mike Seim walks us through WellSpan Health strategies and commitment for providing seamless care and addressing disparities. Apply for AHA's Quest for Quality Prize by visiting www.aha.org/questforquality

Prioritizing Substance Abuse and Mental Health Needs with Hospital Corporation of America Healthcare Oct 12, 2022

The number of drug overdose deaths in America increased by nearly 30% from 2019 to 2020. Since then, the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the problem. Today, the great majority of overdose deaths involve an opioid, and almost 90% of individuals who are badly in need of substance use disorder treatment receive none. In this podcast, Rebecca Chickey, senior director, Behavioral Health Services at the AHA, speaks with Kimberly Wells, CEO of Pinewood Springs in Columbia, Tenn., about that hospital’s success — in collaboration with HCA Healthcare's TriStar Health and Maury Regional Medical Center — in changing the culture on how substance abuse and mental health needs were incorporated into the care and improvement of human lives. The HCA approach is about mindset; engaging patients at one of their most vulnerable times as the best way to plant the seed of hope and chart a path to post-hospitalization recovery care.

CISA Deputy Director Speaks on Defending Health care Against Cyber Attacks Oct 10, 2022

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Although the issue is spotlighted right now, the truth is that attention needs to be paid to cyber security awareness every minute of every day. Hospitals and health systems can’t afford to let down their guard for a moment, because the activities of cyber criminals never stop. In this podcast we have a unique opportunity to hear from a high level government leader whose job it is to defend the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks and other threats. Tasked with this extremely important mission, and here with us today, is Nitin Natarajan, Deputy Director for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA. Nitin is a friend and colleague of John Riggi, who joined the AHA as national advisor for cybersecurity and risk after a nearly 30 year career with the FBI. In this podcast, John and Nitin discuss the biggest cyber and other threats facing health care and other infrastructure sectors; how they overlap; the role of CISA; and what health care providers can do to defend against the sophisticated cyber threats everyone faces.

[SPONSORED] Prioritizing Hospital Alarms: Strategies for Patient Safety and Care Team Satisfaction Oct 07, 2022

Hospital care teams are inundated each day by hospital alarm systems that alert them to changes in a patient’s status. Many providers say there are too many and not all deserve the same degree of attention. Listen to how one provider, Eisenhower Health, has taken important steps to reduce “alarm fatigue.” Today's podcast is brought to you by Spacelabs Healthcare.

A COVID-19 Story that Inspires Hope: Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Oct 05, 2022

The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most exciting global health developments in recent history. What’s also exciting are the key lessons learned from the national rollout of the vaccine -- knowledge that gives hope for a future of better health for all. In this episode, Dr. John Varbaro, chief medical officer at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, joins Kathy Cummings, director of communications for AHA's Health Research & Educational Trust, to reflect on key strategies and action steps that proved successful in getting shots into arms and overcoming barriers of access, trust and misinformation -- and the lessons learned that are moving health care forward.

Partnering with Area Agencies on Aging: Tactics for Success Oct 03, 2022

As the US population continues to age, leaders at hospitals and health systems are increasingly partnering with community-based organizations to address the social and non-medical health needs of older individuals, including nutrition and transportation assistance, social connection, and caregiver support. Area Agencies on Aging are one of the community-based organizations that hospitals and health systems are forging strong, dynamic partnerships with. Today, we have a conversation that explores the ways in which hospitals and health systems are partnering with Area Agencies on Aging, as well as tips on some common pitfalls to avoid in these partnerships. Nancy Myers is the Vice President of Leadership and System Innovation at the AHA, where she leads strategy and programmatic work on population health that supports hospitals and health systems and their strategic partners to equitably support the health of the communities they serve. Marisa Scala-Foley is the Director of the Aging and Disability Business Institute, a part of USAging. The Business Institute provides community-based organizations with tools and resources they can use to successfully adapt to a changing health care environment, enhance their organizational capacity and capitalize on emerging opportunities to diversify funding.

Hypertension Control during Pregnancy & Postpartum with Missouri Hospital Assn. & Hannibal Regional Sep 30, 2022

Hypertension while pregnancy or postpartum can increase the risk of other complications that impact the mom and baby. CDC’s Million Hearts named the Missouri Hospital Association a 2021 Hypertension Control Exemplar for its efforts to prioritize hypertension control among pregnant and postpartum patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aisha Syeda, senior program manager of AHA’s strategic initiatives uncovers how as she speaks with Judy Hannan, senior advisor of CDC’s Million Hearts® initiative, Alison Williams, Vice President of Clinical Quality Improvement at Missouri Hospital Association and Kendell Farr, Womens Health Nurse Practitioner at Hannibal Regional Healthcare System.

The Role of Firearm Safety in Preventing Suicide Sep 28, 2022

According to the CDC, firearms are used in approximately 50% of all suicides. In this podcast, Dr. Emmy Betz, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and director of the Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative joins Laura Castellanos, associate director, Hospitals Against Violence initiative at the American Hospital Association. Together they explore the connections between firearms and suicide, and what hospitals and healthcare systems need to know about firearm suicide prevention. A variety of organizations are involved in the discussion about firearm safety and suicide. These include the Bulletpoints Project, Walk the Talk America, the partnership between the VA, NSSF, and ASFP, and the American College of Surgeons. For more information on the work that Dr. Betz is doing at the Injury and Violence Prevention Center, please visit https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/research-and-practice/centers-programs/ivpc/research-practice/firearm-injury-prevention

Leadership Dialogue Series: Peggy Abbott from Ouachita County Medical Center Sep 26, 2022

Recently, the hospital leadership team of Ouachita County Medical Center, in Camden, Ark., made the “heart-wrenching decision” to close a rural health clinic that the hospital had operated for 25 years. Leaders and staff also took wage cuts and reduced work hours. Take that one sad event … multiply it by more than 135 times over the past dozen years … and you’ve got some idea of the alarming economic challenges facing our nation’s rural and low-volume hospitals. Hospitals and health systems across the United States are experiencing unprecedented financial pressures right now. Labor shortages, increased expenses, and lower Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates impact most care providers, and none more so than rural hospitals. On this Leadership Dialogue Series podcast, AHA Board Chair Wright L. Lassiter III is joined by Peggy Abbott, CEO of Ouachita County Medical Center to discuss how the current economic stressors are affecting the small, rural hospital she leads. Like every hospital leader, Abbott’s foremost concern is keeping the doors open and continuing to meet patients’ and community health needs. Lassiter and Abbott talk about what that’s going to take…what changes are needed to keep the health care system in America as we know it functioning. As Abbott says, “Hospitals are too important to every community to let any hospital fail — we need every hospital.”

[Special Edition] How Prior Authorizations Can Harm Patient Care Sep 23, 2022

In medical care, prior authorization was originally intended to ensure patients received appropriate care that was in line with tested methodologies. Today, “prior authorization” has become a dreaded term…often signaling delayed care and undue financial burdens posed to patients and care providers alike. In some cases, the process of prior authorization has actually put patient lives at risk. What changed over time? Most of all, what can be done about it now? In this special edition podcast, two colleagues who are very well informed about the hazards and pitfalls of the overuse or misuse of prior authorizations in the course of patient care. Terrence Cunningham directs AHA’s Administrative Simplification Policy, and Andrea Preisler is senior associate director, Administrative Simplification Policy.

Preventing Suicides in the Health Care Workforce: The Role of Resilience Sep 21, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on our health care teams with many suffering from stress, trauma, burnout and increased behavioral health challenges. When physicians, nurses and health care professionals experience extended periods of stress and burnout, they often feel as though they are letting down their patients, their families, and their colleagues. The impact of these prolonged stressors has amplified the need for support and efforts to improve well-being, destigmatize mental health. Continue listening to learn how the Edward-Elmhurst Health’s employee mental health committee works with members across different disciplines and backgrounds to identify and implement strategies to address employee mental health challenges. In this podcast, Rebecca Chickey, Senior Director, Behavioral Health Services at the AHA, speaks with Gina Sharp, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Lindsey Harrington, Psy.D., Manager, Psychology and Counseling, of NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health in Illinois. At Edward-Elmhurst Health (EEH), employee mental health and well-being is interwoven into its recruitment and retention strategies. Earning Platinum recognition from Mental Health America’s Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, EEH serves as a best-practice example for how to support employee mental health and promote resiliency. In today’s podcast, Ms. Sharp and Dr. Harrington will describe their work to make employees feel safe, included and supported while building organizational resiliency. Moreover, they will share how they use employee feedback on workplace experiences and concerns to provide cutting-edge and empirically supported education and trainings on mental health and workplace violence.

#JustLead featuring University Hospitals Sep 16, 2022

Welcome to the American Hospital Association's special podcast series, Just Lead, a look at how hospitals and health systems that have been recognized with AHA Awards for innovation, collaboration, and health equity are transforming health care for their communities. The results have been encouraging. The American Hospital Association Quest for Quality Prize is presented annually to honor health care leadership and innovation in achieving high-quality health care and advancing health in communities. The award recognizes hospitals and health care systems that are committed to and are making significant progress in providing access to exceptional quality, safe, patient- and family-centered affordable care that is improving the health of their communities. In addition, this award showcases successful innovative models of care, services and collaboration to provide seamless care and to address health care disparities. Today we are joined the recipient of AHA's 2022 Quest for Quality Prize - University Hospitals Health System in Cleveland, Ohio. Joining today is Dr. Peter Pronovost, chief quality and clinical transformational officer at University Hospitals.

Preventing Suicides in the Health Care Workforce: Lifesaving Steps from Providence Sep 14, 2022

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedicated team members at America’s hospitals and health systems have worked tirelessly to care for patients, comfort families and protect communities during this unprecedented public health crisis. However, the pandemic has taken a heavy toll on our health care teams with many suffering from stress, trauma, burnout and increased behavioral health challenges. And when physicians, nurses and health care professionals experience extended periods of stress and burnout, they often feel as though they are letting down their patients, their families, and their colleagues. Moreover, they often feel more challenged to care not just for their patients, but also themselves. The impact of these extended stressors has amplified the need for support and efforts to improve well-being, destigmatize mental health and address overall wellness from a system-wide level, to better care for the health care workers who care for our communities. In this podcast, Rebecca Chickey, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services at the AHA, speaks with Arpan Waghray, MD,. Chief Medical Officer Behavioral Health Medicine Providence and CEO of Providence's Well Being Trust, in Seattle WA. Providence not-for-profit, Catholic health care system operating more than 50 hospitals, with 120,000 caregivers, across seven states, headquartered in Renton, Washington. Providence is dedicated to a holistic approach to medicine that employs not only the most advanced treatments to improve outcomes, but also puts compassion and humanity at the heart of every interaction – including interactions with their own health care workforce. The health system has developed a range of workplace well-being programs, from promoting healthy habits to improve the overall physical and emotional health of employees, to early identification and prevention of significant behavioral health disorders and suicidal ideation.

#JustLead featuring Mount Sinai Health System Sep 09, 2022

Welcome to the American Hospital Association's special podcast series, Just Lead, a look at how hospitals and health systems that have been recognized with AHA Awards for innovation, collaboration, and health equity are transforming health care for their communities. So what does this mean for their patients? Today we are joined by the recipient of AHA’s 2022 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award – Mount Sinai Health System in New York City represented by Shana Dacon-Pereira, Senior Director for the office of diversity and inclusion at Mount Sinai.

The Power of Opioid Prevention and Treatment Series: Measuring Opioid Stewardship Sep 07, 2022

Hospitals and health systems must be clear on goals of their opioid stewardship program and intentional about a process for measuring and monitoring progress. Over time, these metrics will help demonstrate organizational success and can be used to support broader initiatives to fight the opioid epidemic, such as advocacy efforts for legislative action. In this final episode of AHA’s five-part series on opioid stewardship, Marie Cleary-Fishman, vice president of clinical quality at the American Hospital Association, is joined once again by Dr. Holly Geyer, hospital internal medicine practitioner sub-specialized in addiction medicine at Mayo Clinic. The discussion: setting and surveilling opioid prescribing metrics, and managing outliers while keeping satisfaction scores high.

[SPONSORED] PeaceHealth Lab Stewardship Improves Patient Outcomes and Financial Health Sep 02, 2022

Ordering the right test at the right time is crucial to providing evidence-based patient care to achieve the highest quality outcomes. It can also help increase financial sustainability for a hospital. Both of these objectives can be accomplished through a successful laboratory stewardship initiative. PeaceHealth understands this quite well. Join us to hear insights from PeaceHealth on their experience establishing a lab stewardship initiative that improved patient care and outcomes through optimized testing, all while driving down costs for enhanced financial sustainability. Today’s podcast is brought to you by the College of American Pathologists.

The Power of Opioid Prevention and Treatment Series: Mastering Opioid Stewardship Deployment Aug 31, 2022

America has seen soaring rates of fatal overdoses from opioid analgesics – that is prescription drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is often produced and sold illegally. Hospitals are trying to limit the amount of opioids leaving their doors while increasing education about opioid use and misuse among health care workers and patients and deploying new treatment models. In this episode – part four of AHA’s five-part series on opioid stewardship, Marie Cleary-Fishman, vice president of clinical quality at the American Hospital Association, is joined once again by Dr. Holly Geyer, hospital internal medicine practitioner subspecialized in addiction medicine at Mayo Clinic. The discussion: encouraging careful and selective use of long-term opioid therapy in the context of managing chronic pain through evidence-based prescribing guidelines, educating staff and patients, and improving the referral to treatment process

Preparing for Cyberattacks with Northwell Health Aug 24, 2022

Since the start of the pandemic, foreign based ransomware gangs have dramatically increased targeting of U.S. hospitals and health systems and their mission critical service providers - with many becoming victim of high impact ransomware attacks. These attacks have disrupted hospital business operations, delayed health care delivery and risked patient safety - not only for the victim organization but also for interconnected providers on a regional basis. It is essential that health care organizations understand the current cyber risk landscape and understand that high impact ransomware attacks will disrupt every business, clinical and operational function in the organization – but they can also brace for impact, and prepare for recovery. Join us to hear to insights from health care cybersecurity experts, including our own John Riggi, AHA’s National Advisor for cybersecurity and risk, who spent nearly 30 years as a highly decorated veteran of the FBI and now serves as National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk at the American Hospital Association and their 5000+ member hospitals. John and his expert colleagues will discuss how hospitals and health systems can create a stronger cybersecurity posture to protect their expanded networks, their data, and most importantly, their patients and the communities they serve.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Julie Yaroch from ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital Aug 22, 2022

Some 57 million rural Americans depend on their hospital as an important source of care as well as a critical component of their area's economic and social fabric. In many areas, there is growing concern…that fabric is starting to fray. The stresses of the past 2.5 years have affected every hospital and health system in America, none more so than rural hospitals. On this Leadership Dialogue Series podcast, AHA Board Chair Wright L. Lassiter III is joined by Dr. Julie Yaroch (Yarrow), president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital in Adrian, Michigan. Lassiter and Yaroch talk about the issues that rural hospitals continue to face, including workforce shortages, increased costs of care, and an aging population. At the same time, patients living in rural communities must navigate challenges related to accessing care, such as lack of transportation and unreliable or unavailable internet access. Yaroch says collaboration is key right now. She describes how the hospital she leads views health care as a team approach and talks about its vital role as an anchor institution in the community.

Cost of Gun Violence to Hospitals with Northwell Health’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention Aug 19, 2022

Each day, more than 300 Americans are shot, and, according to the CDC, more than 110 are killed by gunfire. The Government Accountability Office reports that gun violence costs hospitals over $1B annually. Dr. Chethan Sathya, a pediatric trauma surgeon and director of Northwell Health's Center for Gun Violence Research recently testified in front of the Senate’s Judiciary Committee on this topic. He sits down today with Laura Castellanos, associate director of the American Hospital Association’s Hospitals Against Violence initiative to discuss what we know about the cost to hospitals and health systems, as they treat a growing number of victims of gun violence. For more information on the work that Northwell’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention is doing, please visit https://www.northwell.edu/center-for-gun-violence-prevention

University of Utah Addresses Health and Social Needs for its Most Complex Patients Aug 17, 2022

Patients with complex medical and social needs are often challenging to treat in a traditional medical encounter. An intensive high-touch care delivery model in the outpatient setting can improve value for patients, providers and payers. In this podcast, Julia Resnick, director of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives is joined by Dr. Stacy Bank, medical director of University of Utah Health’s Intensive Outpatient Clinic and Chad Westover, CEO of University of Utah Health Plans. You’ll hear Dr. Bank and Chad discuss how the clinic is partnering with the health plan to provide wraparound medical and social care to some of the health care system’s most at-risk patients – and how the new model of care is benefiting the patients, the clinicians and the health plan. Learn more about University of Utah’s Intensive Outpatient Clinic in this short film, Meet Me Where I Am. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h691wk3N0pU&t=2s&ab_channel=UofUHealth

[SPONSORED] Using a ‘defense in depth’ strategy to strengthen your cyber posture Aug 12, 2022

Health care is currently seeing a dramatic increase in cyberattacks, including disruptive ransomware attacks that interrupt patient care and risk patient safety, as well as impact hospital and health system business operations. It is essential that health care organizations understand the current cyber risk landscape and understand that cyberthreats are a true enterprise risk. Acknowledging this, they can take proactive measures to prepare for and mitigate cyber risk with focused attention on fast-moving, real-time threats. Join us to hear to insights from health care cybersecurity experts and AHA members, including our own John Riggi, AHA’s National Advisor for cybersecurity and risk, who spent nearly 30 years as a highly decorated veteran of the FBI and now serves as National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk at the American Hospital Association and their 5000+ member hospitals. John and his expert colleagues from Denver Health and Fort Defiance Indian Hospital will discuss how hospitals and health systems can create a stronger cybersecurity posture to protect their expanded networks, their data, and most importantly, their patients and the communities they serve. Today’s podcast is brought to you through the generous support of [redacted], an American Hospital Association Preferred Cybersecurity Service Provider for Healthcare Security Services and Incident Response specifically for small and medium hospitals up to 300 beds.

#WeAreHealthcare: Understanding and reconnecting to purpose with VCU Health System Aug 10, 2022

As we start to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding and reconnecting to purpose, rediscovering our why is key to moving forward. The health care workforce is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities to redefine care delivery and encourage the next generation of leaders to use the lessons of the last two years to change for the better. Dr. Tom Yackel, President of MCV Physicians, the faculty practice plan of VCU Health System, senior associate dean for clinical affairs in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, and past chair of the AHA’s Committee on Clinical Leadership sat down with Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of clinical affairs and workforce at the AHA Annual meeting to share his thoughts as a clinical leader and practicing physician. This podcast was recorded at the AHA Annual Meeting.

Bundled Care Models Improve Outcomes for Moms with Vanderbilt University Medical Center Aug 03, 2022

Bundled care programs are a key driver in the transition from fee-for-service to value-based care. In this Members in Action podcast featuring maternal and child health efforts, Aisha Syeda, senior program manager at the AHA is speaking with CJ Stimson, Chief Medical Officer of the Vanderbilt University Medical Employee Health Plan and Senior Vice President of Value Transformation in the Office of Population Health. Together they will discuss how Vanderbilt University Medical Center is working with Metro Nashville Public Schools to provide bundled care solutions which improve maternal health outcomes and provide more value to patients and payers.

The Value of Protecting the 340B Program for Patients and Providers: A Perspective from the Field Jul 27, 2022

For three decades, the 340B drug pricing program has enabled hospitals that serve high numbers of low-income patient populations to stretch scarce federal resources and provide more comprehensive care to their patients and communities. The program, which has enjoyed strong bipartisan support, does not cost taxpayers a dime. Instead, the program is subsidized by drug companies, which are required to sell certain outpatient drugs at a discount to eligible providers. These discounts help hospitals provide critical programs and services to their patients such as medication therapy management, diabetes education and counseling, and mobile treatment clinics for rural areas. Ask any hospital in the 340B program and they’ll tell you it’s done a great deal of good for the patients and communities they care for. Which is why current efforts by drug companies to reduce the program’s scope are so alarming. In this podcast, an AHA policy expert explores the value of the 340B drug pricing program and the negative impact that efforts to scale back the program have had on patients and providers with a hospital administrator for whom the 340B program has served as a critical resource in their ability to serve patients.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Mikelle Moore from Intermountain Healthcare Jul 25, 2022

On this Leadership Dialogue Series podcast, AHA Board Chair Wright Lassiter III, is joined by Mikelle Moore, senior vice president and chief community health officer at Intermountain Healthcare, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Using many examples from Intermountain, Lassiter and Moore explore the different roles that hospitals and health systems can take in advancing community health — including as leader, convener and participant — and the importance of listening and building trust in every interaction with the community. Lassiter and Moore also talk about tackling long-term issues that may take decades to solve, including addressing social determinants of health, improving mental health and well-being, and increasing access to primary care.

[Special Edition] Nurses’ Journey from Ukraine to U.S. with Ochsner Health Jul 22, 2022

Before long, some Ukrainian nurses who are fleeing the war in their country will be taking a journey of some six thousand miles, to call Louisiana their new home. The nurses’ journey to relocate to a safer place comes courtesy of Ochsner Health in New Orleans, which has partnered with several organizations to make it happen. Global Nurse Partners, which brings internationally experienced nurses and U.S. healthcare facilities together for permanent positions, is among the groups Ochsner has worked with, along with CGFNS International, the American Hospital Association and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. Together, these groups are providing two very valuable services. The Ukrainian care providers are receiving refuge and protection from an escalating conflict and communities around New Orleans and across Louisiana are getting trained nurses at a time when the U.S. does not have enough nurses to meet demand. Warner Thomas, president and CEO of Ochsner Health, sat down recently with Robyn Begley, CEO of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of workforce for the American Hospital Association, to discuss this relocation initiative and what the future may hold. This podcast was recorded in mid-July at the American Hospital Association’s annual Leadership Summit in San Diego.

A Conversation with Dr. Neel Shah: Reaching for Valuable, Equitable Maternal Care Jul 20, 2022

Women in America have the highest mortality rate than any other developed country, but equitable maternal care can change that. In this podcast, Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s strategic initiative speakers with globally recognized expert and leader in maternal care, Dr. Neel Shah. As the Chief Medical Officer at Maven Clinic, Dr. Shah will shed some light on the state of maternal health in the U.S, along with how Maven Clinic is supporting Black moms and their families. He will also share ways hospitals can transform maternal health care into becoming more valuable and equitable, for a better care experience for all mothers.

The Power of Opioid Prevention and Treatment Series: Opioid Stewardship Program Construction 101 Jul 13, 2022

The opioid crisis has been around for decades and has progressively worsen during the pandemic. According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, there were more than 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States from April 2020 to April 2021, an increase of 28.5% during the same time period the year before. Yet only 23% hospitals have an opioid stewardship program, according to the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, In this episode – part three of AHA’s five-part series on opioid stewardship, Marie Cleary-Fishman, vice president of clinical quality at the American Hospital Association, is joined by Dr. Holly Geyer, hospital internal medicine practitioner sub-specialized in addiction medicine at Mayo Clinic. The discussion: the roots of the opioid epidemic and the state and federal requirements - and institutional protocols – for developing solutions.

[SPONSORED] How Great Leaders Prepare for the Imaginable as well as the Unimaginable Jul 08, 2022

Since the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020, health care has faced many workforce challenges in delivering patient care, including staffing shortages and clinician burnout in the face of unrelenting demand. These challenges have affected all health care staff — from front-line workers to the C-suite. Having the right leaders in the right positions is essential to building and strengthening a dedicated workforce, as well as preparing for the expected and unexpected business continuity challenges before, during and after a crisis. This is especially true for the health care field as it continues to battle the unprecedented COVID pandemic and faces what comes next. Join us as Northwell Health shares how its leadership approaches have affected all levels of clinical, operational, and administrative staff to help the system weather the storms of the COVID Pandemic, the Great Resignation and more, all while providing the highest-quality patient outcomes. The conversation will also touch upon the concept of Destination Employer and how it supports the hospital’s culture. Today's podcast is brought you by the Hebets Company https://www.hebetsco.com/

The Power of Opioid Prevention and Treatment Series: Starting your opioid stewardship journey Jul 06, 2022

During the past two years, the health care field has been focused on fighting COVID-19…as it should be. Yet at the same time, another crisis surges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data that shows synthetic opioid fatalities rose by an unprecedented 55% during the pandemic – from September 2019 - September 2020. And according to a national survey conducted in 2020 by the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, only 23% of hospitals have an opioid stewardship program. In this episode, Marie Cleary-Fishman, vice president of clinical quality at the American Hospital Association is joined by Dr. Holly Geyer, internal medicine practitioner sub-specialized in addiction medicine at Mayo Clinic. The discussion: what to do about the surging number of overdose deaths during the pandemic. In this episode, Dr. Geyer will share the importance of establishing an opioid stewardship program no matter the size of your practice, and essential steps, tools and tips to achieving success.

Navigating the Nation’s Infant Formula Shortage Jun 29, 2022

Recently, families across the nation are struck with a shortage of infant formula, causing ripples of misinformation. Though efforts to alleviate the current recall on infant formula, and related supply chain issues are in the works, many mothers and families are still struggling to feed their infants. The lack of support resources and the rise in prices have also contributed to the stress families are facing. Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives sits down with Dr. David Paul, Service Line Leader of Woman and Children at ChristianaCare and Kristy Anderson, Clinical Nutrition Manager at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center to discuss ways their organizations educated and worked with families to identify alternate formula options, and mitigated misinformation. They will also share steps hospitals are taking to manage such instances better in the future. For any hospital needing either normal formula or specialty formula, reach out to Abbott Nutrition at www.abbottnutrition.com/metabolics. For latest information on formula supply and tips, visit www.fda.gov.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Erin Fraher Jun 27, 2022

On this Leadership Dialogue Series podcast, AHA Board Chair Wright Lassiter III, talks with Erin Fraher, associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and research associate professor in the Department of Surgery at UNC School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, N.C. She also is director of the Carolina Health Workforce Research Center, one of five national health workforce research centers in the U.S. Erin and Wright talk about trends in the health care workforce that have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Erin suggests the fundamental questions for hospitals and health systems are, “How are we deploying [people]? How are we utilizing them to the best possible ability to keep them happy, keep the hospital productive and keep patients healthy and well?” She further explains: “It’s this notion of turning workforce planning on its head — from planning for professions to planning for patients.

[Special Edition] Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Hospital Quality Measurement Programs Jun 24, 2022

CMS's Hospital Quality Measurement and Value programs have shaped the hospital field and given patients information to inform their care for over 15 years. But a once in a lifetime pandemic has had a profound impact on how those programs operate. On today's podcast, we'll discuss what happened with these critical programs during the pandemic and where CMS can go from here. Joining this [Special Edition] podcast to discuss is Akin Demehin, Senior Director of Quality and Patient Safety Policy with AHA. This podcast was recorded live at the AHA Annual Meeting.

Caring for Kids at Home: Gillette Children's Virtual Rehab Program Jun 22, 2022

Hospitals have accelerated the development of their innovative telehealth programs during the pandemic. In this Members in Action podcast, Julia Resnick, director of strategic initiatives at the AHA, is speaking with Thomas Harris, Jr., Executive Vice President of Operations at Gillette Children’s in Saint Paul, Minnesota. They will be discussing how Gillette Children’s virtual rehab program has enabled them to better serve their patients.

Equity Through Precision Heart Care with Cleerly, Inc. and Lee Health System Jun 17, 2022

Dr. Leon D. Caldwell, Senior Director, Health Equity Strategies and Innovation, in the Institute of Diversity and Health Equity at the AHA, sits down with Dr. James Min, CEO and Co-founder of AHA Associate, Cleerly, as well as Dr. Richard Chazal, Senior Cardiologist and Medical Director of the Heart & Vascular Institute at Lee Health System. Dr. Min and Dr. Chazal are at the forefront of a new population-based, precision heart care approach that is transforming the historical approach to cardiovascular care by treating the actual disease instead of symptoms. Together, they discuss how this new standard of care ultimately impacts health equity. For more information on the journey to health equity please visit https://equity.aha.org/

Trauma-Informed Leadership with Henry Ford Hospital and Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital Jun 15, 2022

Leading care teams through COVID-19 has been a challenge unlike any other. As hospital leaders struggle to retain and support an exhausted workforce they are left looking to understand how to address the traumatic stress caused by COVID-19. In today's episode, Elisa Arespacochaga, AHA vice president of clinical affairs and workforce, sits down with Dr. Brooke Buckley, vice president and CMO of Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital and Robert Matheny, Manager of Neurodiagnostics at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI to hear about their work on trauma-informed leadership and how they’ve approached leading teams in the midst of COVID-19.

[SPONSORED] Strategic Planning Imperatives for Hospitals and Health Systems to Get Right Jun 10, 2022

Strategy. Transformation. Both are integral to today’s most successful health care planning agendas and associated initiatives. Accenture’s perspective on what, why, and how hospitals and health systems are planning strategic agendas brings new perspective on these approaches. Rather than taking a more traditional linear approach to strategic planning, hospitals and health systems that successfully plan focus on creating an integrated “Connected” plan leading to more actionable and sustainable outcomes. BayCare understands this well. Join us for a discussion on various approaches hospitals and health systems can take when establishing their strategic plans, and hear insights from BayCare about their experiences and benefits from adopting a “Connected” transformation planning approach and the lessons they learned along the way. Today’s podcast is brought to you by Accenture.

#WeAreHealthcare : Sustaining a Healthy Workforce with Phelps Health Jun 08, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the health care workforce. Despite these challenges, the staff team at Phelps Health continue to grow through a series of initiatives designed to create a culture of trust and bring all staff members into crucial decision-making processes. In today's episode Elisa Arespacochaga, AHA vice president of clinical affairs and workforce, sits down with Jason Shenefield, CEO at Phelps Health in Rolla, Missouri to discuss the innovative approaches Phelps has taken to grow and sustain a healthy workforce.

Encouraging COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women Jun 01, 2022

Pregnant women around the country faced uncertainty upon the arrival of COVID-19. The medical community identified significant knowledge gaps in the impact of the virus on mothers’ and babies’ health at all stages of pregnancy. Knowing more about the impact of the virus on pregnancy and the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women is vital for treatment and prevention. In this episode, Dr. Rachel Humphrey, director of AdventHealth for Women’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine, joins Kathy Cummings, director of communications at AHA, to talk about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines for both mom and baby, the critical role physicians play in addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and how doctor-patient relationships are strengthening during this pandemic.

Transforming Pediatric Mental Health: Partnerships and Integration at Rady Children's Hospital May 27, 2022

Between 2011 and 2015, the number of children presenting to the ED for behavioral health concerns at Rady Children’s Hospital increased by 500%. To decrease the need for emergency behavioral health care services and to improve the early identification and treatment of symptoms, the Rady team developed their Transforming Mental Health Initiative, which integrates behavioral health services into the pediatric primary care setting. In this Members in Action podcast, Rebecca Chickey, AHA’s senior director of behavioral health, is joined by Domonique Hensler, Senior Director of Care Redesign Planning and Mental Health Integration, and Dr. Benjamin Maxwell, Interim Division Director of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, to discuss this care model’s positive outcomes for patients, families and providers.

Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month May 26, 2022

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and it is an opportunity to reflect on the generations of Asian Americans who have enriched America’s history and celebrate the nearly 20 million Asian American individuals who are instrumental to our country’s future success. In this podcast, Joy Lewis, AHA’s senior vice president of Health Equity Strategies and executive director of the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity is joined by Janet A. Liang, executive vice president, group president and chief operating officer, care delivery, Kaiser Permanente to discuss her experience as an Asian American health care leader, challenges within the Asian American community and what this month means to her.

[Special Edition]: Insurers’ “white bagging” drug policy threatens patient safety May 24, 2022

Increases in consolidation and alignment between commercial health plans and pharmacy benefit managers have resulted in a series of business practices designed to steer patients to insurer-affiliated pharmacies and away from patients’ longstanding providers to the detriment of patient care. Under new policies being implemented by a number of large commercial insurance companies, they steer patients to third-party specialty pharmacies – often owned by the same parent company as the insurer – to acquire medication necessary for clinician-administered treatments, such as chemo infusions. Commonly referred to as “white bagging,” this practice raises significant patient safety issues, results in frequent delays in care and shifts tremendous administrative burden to hospitals to reconcile these policies on behalf of their patients. To examine this concerning trend, we hear from Mark Howell, AHA’s director of policy and patient safety, and Michelle Millerick AHA’s senior associate director of health insurance coverage policy.

[SPONSORED] Loyola University Health System’s Pop-Up Laboratory Strengthens Clinical Collaborations May 20, 2022

Join us to hear how Loyola University Health System’s new laboratory approach during the COVID pandemic was able to broaden communication and collaboration between clinicians and hospital leadership, improve patient outcomes and streamline process efficiencies while also increasing visibility for the system and reinforcing Loyola as a premiere resource for diagnosing and treating illnesses. Today’s podcast is brought to you by the College of American Pathologists.

A Sustainable Community HUB and Wellbeing Collaborative in Winona Minnesota May 18, 2022

Winona Health and the Winona Wellbeing Collaborative have addressed the fragmentation and silos between local agencies and providers. Hear from Rachelle Schultz, Ed.D., CEO, Winona Health and community leaders how the Pathways Community HUB model was used as a framework in designing the Winona Community HUB to serve the unique needs of the region. A community connector from Live Well Winona tracks the progress of clients through the HUB model, which is sustained by commercial payments for completed pathways.

[Special Edition]: Medicare Advantage: New Trends Raise Concerns about Access to Care May 13, 2022

Medicare Advantage or MA Plans are another way for beneficiaries to get Medicare Part A and Part B coverage delivered through private insurance companies. MA Plans adhere to the rules set by Medicare to cover beneficiaries, but their benefits are delivered by Medicare approved private companies. MA plans are part of a broader trend towards public sources of coverage, like Medicare and Medicaid, increasingly relying on private health plans to provide or administer their health benefits. Last year 42 % of all Medicare beneficiaries got their. benefits through private MA plans. Enrollment in these plans is growing at nearly 10% per year. There is serious concerns that coverage and patient access are being eroded as a result of health insurer efforts to restrict access and that there is a tremendous burden on health care providers to manage these insurer policies. In fact the HHS Office of Inspector General recently published a report finding that MA plans have exhibited a pattern of denying prior authorization and payment requests that would have covered by original Medicare. These types of denials have raised fears about certain insurer practices, which may impede beneficiary access to medically necessary care. Joining the podcast today to discuss the trends of how Medicare Advantage plans may affect patient care is Michelle Millerick, AHA's Senior Associate Director of Health Insurance Coverage. (Recorded at AHA's Annual Meeting in Washington D.C.)

Applying an Equity Lens to Digital Health May 11, 2022

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital solutions, including mobile health apps, patient portals and telehealth serve as a critical access point for health care providers to reach patients. However, many individuals have not been able to benefit from these digital solutions. In this podcast, Julia Resnick, director of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives is joined by Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives and Sarah Swank, Counsel at Nixon Peabody. Priya and Sarah will discuss their upcoming article on digital health equity in a special edition of the American Health Law Association Journal of Health and Life Sciences Law. Here, they discuss barriers to access digital solutions and the role of health care leaders, including attorneys, in improving digital health equity.

The Beginning Stages: Establishing a Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center May 04, 2022

1 in 5 children experience a mental illness. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased mental health challenges and suicide risk among children. In this Members in Action podcast featuring maternal and child health efforts, Aisha Syeda, program manager at the AHA is joined by Chanda Chacòn, president and chief executive officer at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center to discuss the hospital’s investment in establishing a pediatric mental health urgent care center.

Live from AHA Annual Meeting: Leading edge CEO discusses planning for Health care Cyberattacks Apr 26, 2022

Over the past few years every leader of health care organization in the country has had to acknowledge the threat of a cyberattack that has the potential to compromise systems and patient safety. In this podcast, John Riggi, AHA's National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk, is speaking with former AHA Chair, Brian Gragnolati, President and CEO of Atlantic Health System about best practices for care providers to avoid, plan for, and mitigate cyber threats.

Live from AHA Annual Meeting: Importance of Integrating Behavioral and Primary Health Apr 26, 2022

The integration of behavioral health and primary health care leads to early detection and treatment of numerous issues. Patients suffering from chronic physical ailments experience better outcomes, as well as an improved quality of life. Creating this integration begins with education and partnerships, both within the health care system and the surrounding community. Denise Dugas is the Senior Director of Mental and Behavioral Health at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and among the nearly 1,000 health care leaders attending this years meeting. Today, Denise joins Rebecca Chickey, AHA's Senior Director of Behavioral Health services to discuss the importance of integration of behavioral and primary health and speciality health care within a hospital system.

Live from AHA Annual Meeting: Beyond Disparities to Equitable Health Systems Apr 25, 2022

Over the past few years the goal of health equity has moved into our national conversation about health care in a new, bigger and different way. These days health care leaders don't just say we want to eliminate health disparities. It's evolving into, we have a plan to do this. How to create that plan is the purpose of the new Health Equity Roadmap, released in March by the American Hospital Association's Institute for Diversity and Health Equity. Jack Lynch is a member of the AHA Board of Trustees, President and CEO of Mainline Health in suburban Philadelphia, and among the approximately 1,000 health care leaders attending this meeting. Today, Jack joins Joy Lewis, AHA's Senior Vice-President for Health Equity Strategies and Executive Director of the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, and Dr. Leon Caldwell, Senior Director of Health Equity Strategies and Innovation with IFDHE to talk about the importance of health equity, how disparities can be eliminated, and what hospitals have learned from quality improvement efforts that may apply to advancing equity.

Live from AHA Annual Meeting: Leading for Health Equity Apr 25, 2022

In late March the American Hospital Association's Institute for Diversity and Health Equity rolled out its long awaited Health Equity Roadmap, a national initiative to drive improvement in health care outcomes, health equity, diversity, and inclusion. The Health Equity Roadmap is framework to help hospitals and health care systems chart their own paths towards transformation, dismantle structural barriers, become more equitable and inclusive organization, and help to realize AHA's vision of a just society of healthy communities, where all individuals reach their highest potential for health. By creation and design, the Roadmap is an innovative approach to advance health equity. It is meant to be a game changer. AHA's Board of Trustees member, Montez Carter is president and CEO of St. Mary's Healthcare system in Athens, GA. and is among the approximately 1,000 health care leaders gathered at this years meeting. Today, Montez joins Joy Lewis, AHA's Senior Vice-President for Health Equity Strategies and Executive Director of the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, and Dr. Leon Caldwell, Senior Director of Health Equity Strategies and Innovation with IFDHE, to talk about the health equity roadmap, his contributions to it, and his hopes for it.

Live from AHA Annual Meeting: Meeting the Challenge of Delivering Behavioral Health Apr 25, 2022

Rural hospitals are community strongholds, serving as the key point of care for nearly 20 percent of Americans. Beyond providing healing and hope, rural hospitals nationwide are pillars of their local economies, creating essential jobs that support families and community vitality. Access to behavioral health services has been a chronic need across rural America for decades. Driven largely by shortages of clinical professionals, the demand for care has only grown during the COVID-19 pandemic. While tele-behavioral health has shown promise, much more must be done to eliminate the disparity and access to care and treatment to those who live in rural communities. On this podcast we hear from 3 leaders from across rural America who found a way, tele-health, outpatient, and inpatient, to deliver essential behavioral health services to the residents of their communities.

Surging Input Costs Create Many Challenges for Hospitals and Health Systems Apr 25, 2022

One clear lesson from the pandemic over the past couple of years is that America cannot be strong without its hospitals and health systems being strong, but their strength is under serious stress right now. Caregivers work round the clock to nurse ill patients back to health, yet many hospitals and health systems are themselves not out of the woods yet, due to a confluence of economic factors that have skyrocketed the cost of caring for their patients and communities. In this podcast, two American Hospital Association policy experts walk us through the severe economic environment that many care providers find themselves in right now, as highlighted in a new report from the AHA.

Live from AHA Annual Meeting: Workforce Task Force Update Apr 24, 2022

Ask nearly any health care CEO in America what they consider their number 1 problem and they can answer with one word: Workforce. The pandemic has brought long-simmering workforce challenges to a boil. Over the past couple of years the demands and stress on health care workers has gone way up…while job satisfaction and staff retention has gone way down. What can be done? A new American Hospital Association Workforce Task Force is in the hunt for answers. Welcome to Advancing Health, a podcast coming to you this week from the American Hospital Association’s Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C. Ron Werft, president and CEO of Cottage Health in Santa Barbara, California is chair of the AHA’s board-appointed workforce task force. In this podcast, he speaks with Robyn Begley, the AHA’s chief nursing officer and CEO of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, about what the Task Force is tasked with, and how it’s helping lead the development of resources for the field.

#WeAreHealthcare : Questions with Physician Leaders : Dr. Mohammad Agha Apr 20, 2022

Clinicians more so than ever are making the move into leadership positions. As this movement occurs there are many ways these new leaders can make impacts in their organizations not only in addressing workforce challenges but also in increasing diversity and inclusion of health care teams. In today's episode Elisa Arespacochaga, AHA vice president of clinical affairs and workforce, sits down with Dr. Mohammad Agha, Medical Director of Care Coordination at SSM Health to discuss emerging physician leaders and lessons to address the clinical workforce challenges.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Matthew Stanley Apr 18, 2022

On this Leadership Dialogue Series podcast, AHA Board Chair Wright L. Lassiter III is joined by Matthew Stanley, D.O., a psychiatrist and clinical vice president of the behavioral health service line at Avera Health, based in Sioux Falls, S.D. Wright and Dr. Stanley discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had on people’s mental health and new ways to support increased access to behavioral health services across the care continuum.

From Recognizing Implicit Bias to Creating Action Apr 13, 2022

Though recognizing implicit bias is important, hospitals must have an action plan to address it. In this podcast, Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives is joined by Dr. Zsakeba Henderson, Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Medical and Health Officer of March of Dimes to discuss why we must educate and train health care professionals, nursing and medical students about implicit bias, but also begin to stimulate action.

Cybersecurity: Lessons Learned from Ransomware Attack with UVM Health Apr 06, 2022

In this special Cybersecurity podcast we have the opportunity to talk to leaders of an AHA member hospital who was a victim of a major ransomware attack in the Fall of 2020. Dr. Stephen Leffler, President and Chief Operating Officer and Dr. Douglas Gentile, Chief Medical Information Officer, join us from the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont. John previously interviewed them about lessons learned and best practices during the attack which they are willing to share on today’s podcast.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Marcus Whitney Mar 30, 2022

AHA Board Chair Wright L. Lassiter III is joined by Marcus Whitney, founder and partner of Jumpstart Health Investors, to discuss innovation and equity in health care. Whitney emphasizes the importance of hospitals and health systems developing an innovation practice that is integrated with the organization’s operational model. Lassiter and Whitney also talk about the impact that investing in and providing venture capital to minority-owned businesses will have on the future of health care.

Leadership Dialogue Series: Debbie Hatmaker Mar 28, 2022

AHA Board Chair Wright L. Lassiter III is joined by Debbie Hatmaker, chief nursing officer of the American Nurses Association Enterprise. Hatmaker shares insights about what to do “systemically” to ensure a hospital environment where nurses feel safe and are supported and valued for their work. Lassiter and Hatmaker also discuss workplace violence, the current nursing shortage and retention strategies.

#WeAreHealthcare: Addressing Workforce Challenges in America's Health Care Systems Mar 23, 2022

A talented, qualified, engaged and diverse workforce is at the heart of America’s health care system. But hospitals and health systems face mounting and critical staffing shortages that could jeopardize access to care in the communities they serve. As hospitals struggle to retain and support an exhausted workforce they are left looking for unique ways to better support and enhance resilience among clinicians and to address the traumatic stress caused by COVID-19. In today's episode Elisa Arespacochaga, AHA vice president of clinical affairs and workforce, sits down with Dr. Rebecca Schwartz, associate professor and chief of Social Behavioral Sciences at the Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology and Prevention, associate investigator at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and director of Research and Evaluation at the Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery at Northwell Health, as well as Dr. Mayer Bellehsen, director of Behavioral Health at the Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery at Northwell Health and Mildred and Frank Feinberg Division of the Unified Behavioral Health Center for Military Veterans and Their Families to talk about the Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery at Northwell Health.

What's a Blue Zone? How Klamath County, OR changed its health trajectory as a certified Blue Zone Mar 16, 2022

Rural hospitals are community strongholds, serving as the key point of care for nearly 20% of Americans. Beyond providing healing and hope, rural hospitals nationwide are pillars of their local economies, creating essential jobs that support families and community vitality. Many rural communities struggle with health issues that extend beyond their hospital’s walls. Issues such as transportation, housing, employment, food security, economic stability and other social determinants have an impact on the physical and mental well-being of a community. Hospitals are taking the lead to address social determinants as a response to population and community health. On this episode, we hear from leaders from Klamath Falls, Oregon who have combined resources to establish a certified Blue Zones Community that is a community-led, well-being improvement initiative designed to make healthy choices easier through permanent changes to a town’s environment, policy, and social networks.

Uncovering Gaps in Maternal Care with Anushay Hossain Mar 09, 2022

The health care experiences of many women, especially women of color, are untold. In her book, “The Pain Gap: How Sexism and Racism in Healthcare Kill Women”, author and journalist Anushay Hossain shares her own trauma of giving birth, and explores the eye-opening experiences of many women – who were unheard and subjected to systemic sexism and structural racism. In honor of 2022’s International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives chats with Anushay to discuss her inspiration and research behind the book, and ways we can empower women to share their stories in order to revolutionize maternal health care.

Cybersecurity Report: FBI & AHA discuss Russia, Ukraine and Cybersecurity in U.S. Health Care Sector Mar 04, 2022

John Riggi, who spent nearly 30 years as a highly decorated veteran of the FBI and now serves as National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk at the American Hospital Association and their 5000+ member hospitals. In his role, he serves as a national resource to assist members in defending against cyber-attacks and other threats to their organizations. In this special Cybersecurity podcast, we have a very unique opportunity to talk to a leading expert in the field of cybersecurity John’s close friend and colleague, FBI Cyber Engagement and Intelligence Section Chief Dave Ring. John and Dave will discuss the latest on the current crisis in Ukraine and how it could potentially impact the U.S. Health Care Sector.

#WeAreHealthcare: Workforce Strategies with the AHA Talent Scan Mar 02, 2022

As the field continues to move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic into the new normal, we understand more clearly than ever that our dedicated workforce is the backbone of our health care system. Delivering quality health care through ongoing and emerging challenges depends on our ability to recruit, train, retain and support a resilient and flexible workforce. Hospitals’ and health systems’ ability to recruit, train, retain and support health care workers in the current environment will be shaped by several trends transforming health care. These range from fundamental shifts in delivery models, including widespread telemedicine adoption, to accelerated efforts to reduce health care disparities, to continued pressure on hospitals and health systems to reestablish economic sustainability. Today we hear the perspectives of Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president, clinical affairs and workforce of the American Hospital Association, and Robyn Begley, senior vice president & chief nursing officer of the American Hospital Association and CEO of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, as they share valuable workforce insights you can use to guide your organization forward during this time of uncertainty and continued transformation. For more information visit https://www.aha.org/aha-talent-scan

Part 2: Value as Catalyst: Uniting Clinicians and Hospital Leaders Feb 25, 2022

Part two of this series features speakers from AHA’s most downloaded podcasts. Moderated by AHA's Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of clinical affairs and workforce, Elisa talks with Brooke Buckley, chief medical officer of Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, and Dr. Harsh Trivedi, president and CEO of Sheppard Pratt Health System, about tackling how a culture of value supports resilience across organizations and teams and how clinical training can combine with one’s leadership journey to guide that value.

Part 1: Value as Catalyst: Uniting Clinicians and Hospital Leaders Feb 23, 2022

This special two-part series features speakers from AHA’s most downloaded podcasts. Moderated by AHA’s Priya Bathija, vice president of strategic initiatives, Priya talks with Dr. David Perlstein, president and chief executive officer for SBH Health and Dr. David Zaas, chief executive officer for MUSC Health about how hospital leaders and clinicians can come together to build value by scaling strategies that lower cost, improve outcomes and enhance patient experiences.

VacciNATION: How Hartford HealthCare Is Improving Care and Getting People Vaccinated in the Pandemic Feb 16, 2022

COVID-19 has demonstrated that in health care, change is inevitable. However, changes caused by the darkest circumstances, like the ongoing pandemic, can result in better access to care, better health outcomes and a more pleasing patient experience, if we approach it in the correct manner. Jeffrey Flaks, president and CEO of Hartford HealthCare is optimistic about the future of health care. In this episode, Jeffrey Flaks and Rebecca Stewart, Vice President of Content Strategy, join Kathy Cummings, AHA's director of communications, to share how Hartford HealthCare is changing health care for the better, connecting with people in meaningful ways- and getting more people vaccinated against COVID-19.

Hospitals at home with UnityPoint Health Feb 09, 2022

The hospital at home model of care is emerging as an important strategy to improve value during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Hospitals across the country are launching or expanding their hospital at home programs. As they do so, they're creating new care teams designed to deliver acute care outside the walls of the hospital. UnityPoint Health in Iowa is one health care system that has grown its hospital at home services over the course of the pandemic. In this podcast AHA's Julia Resnick, Director of Strategic Initiatives, speaks with Dr. Peter Read, Medical Director of Hospital to Home at UnityPoint Health, about what it takes to build a care team that can get a hospital at home program off the ground.

Joining Hands: Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence: Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum Feb 04, 2022

Now that children are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, families are considering how to best keep their children safe and healthy. In this new podcast series, Joining Hands to Build Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence, we are speaking with leaders from three national organizations to discuss how to address vaccine hesitancy, specifically in historically marginalized communities. AHA’s Priya Bathija, vice president of strategic initiatives, moderates today’s conversation is with Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. They will be discussing what it takes to build confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This podcast was funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents of this resource do not necessarily represent the policy of CDC or HHS, and should not be considered an endorsement by the Federal Government.

Joining Hands to Build Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence: Unidos US Feb 02, 2022

Though many children are now eligible to receive the COVID-19, families continue to have questions about how to best keep their children safe and healthy. In this new series, Joining Hands to Build Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence, we are speaking with leaders from three national organizations to discuss how to address vaccine hesitancy, specifically for kids in historically marginalized communities. Today’s podcast is moderated by AHA’s Priya Bathija, vice president of strategic initiatives. She is joined by Rita Carreon, Vice President for Health at Unidos US. They will be discussing how to overcome barriers to vaccine confidence and access in Latino communities. This podcast was funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents of this resource do not necessarily represent the policy of CDC or HHS, and should not be considered an endorsement by the Federal Government.

Joining Hands to Build Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence: National Urban League Jan 31, 2022

Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine has expanded to children, yet families continue to have questions about how to best keep their children safe and healthy. In this new podcast series, Joining Hands to Build Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence, we are speaking with leaders from three national organizations to discuss how to address vaccine hesitancy, specifically in historically marginalized communities. AHA’s Julia Resnick, director of strategic initiatives, moderates today’s podcast. She is joined by Lydia Isaac, Vice President for Health Equity and Policy at the National Urban League. They will be discussing the importance of clear communication and outreach to build vaccine confidence in the Black community. This podcast was funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents of this resource do not necessarily represent the policy of CDC or HHS, and should not be considered an endorsement by the Federal Government.

[Sponsored] Shared Governance and Actionable Data Empower Nurses and Increase Patient Satisfaction Jan 26, 2022

Hospitals and health systems are facing one of the most unique times that the field has ever experienced. They are still managing through the ebbs and flows of the COVID pandemic while developing new strategies and initiatives to assist in their recovery and rebuilding efforts. The focus on lessons learned and sharing those lessons with each other is critical as the field continues its path to recovery. Implementing a shared governance culture, lean principles and care team rounding all support achieving the field’s COVID recovery efforts to enhance collaboration, empower nurses, increase patient satisfaction and manage costs. Shared governance is not a new concept to clinical and nursing teams. Shared governance in the hospital setting is critical when making decisions that affect both clinical team members and patients. Join us to hear insights on how shared governance model best practices can promote partnerships and collaboration between nurses and other health care professionals and how it provides bedside caregivers a voice and opportunity to help ensure patient-centric care is delivered. Today’s podcast is brought to you by Spacelabs Healthcare.

Palliative Care during the Pandemic Part 2: Increased need for palliative care during the pandemic Jan 19, 2022

Palliative care is the medical sub-specialty that treats the symptoms and stresses of serious illness. Over 50 million Americans have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the pandemic began and, by definition, those who have been hospitalized were seriously ill. The following audio is from a live, virtual event held in November 2021, and is the second episode of this two-part series. Hosted by AHA Vice President of Clinical Quality Marie Cleary-Fishman, the esteemed group of panelists includes CAPC CEO Brynn Bowman; AHA EVP & COO Michelle Hood; Medical Director of Palliative Services and Associate Professor of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University Dr. Danielle Noreika; and Professor and Chair of the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Mount Sinai Dr. R. Sean Morrison.

Palliative Care during the Pandemic Part 1: How lessons learned help patients & rebuild workforce Jan 12, 2022

Palliative care is the medical sub-specialty that treats the symptoms and stresses of serious illness. Over 50 million Americans have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the pandemic began and, by definition, those who have been hospitalized were seriously ill. The following audio is from a live, virtual event held in November 2021, and is the first episode of this two-part series. Hosted by AHA Vice President of Clinical Quality Marie Cleary-Fishman, the esteemed group of panelists includes CAPC CEO Brynn Bowman; AHA EVP & COO Michelle Hood; Medical Director of Palliative Services and Associate Professor of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University Dr. Danielle Noreika; and Professor and Chair of the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Mount Sinai Dr. R. Sean Morrison.

Analysis of Supreme Court Oral Arguments on Vaccine Mandates Jan 07, 2022

The U.S. Supreme Court today held oral arguments on whether to allow the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ and Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s vaccine mandates to go into effect while appeals are heard in the courts of appeals. While trying to predict how the court will rule based on the oral arguments is difficult, there were some key moments that deserve a deeper dive. In this episode, Chad Golder, AHA Deputy General Counsel, talks with Sean Marotta, a partner at Hogan Lovells and AHA outside counsel. They break down today’s oral arguments and what the next steps could be for the CMS and OSHA mandates.

Ransomware Attack Victims Speak Out: Best Practices & Lessons Learned from Ransomware Attacks Jan 05, 2022

In this episode, John Riggi, AHA Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk talks to leaders of two AHA member hospitals who were victims of major ransomware attacks in the Fall of 2020. Adrienne Chase, Corporate Compliance and Risk Officer and Mandy Shelast, Vice President, Physician Services & Clinical Networks join us from Dickinson County Healthcare System in Iron Mountain, Michigan. John Gaede, Director of Information Services and Ronald Woita, Chief Nursing Officer & Vice President of Patient Care Services join us from Sky Lakes Medical Center, in Klamath Falls, Oregon. John Riggi previously interviewed them about lessons learned and best practices during the attack which they are willing to share on today’s podcast. Now here’s John to give the proper introductions.

Best of Advancing Health: Working towards value together Part 2 Dec 27, 2021

Happy holidays and thanks for listening to the Advancing Health podcast. We hope you have found it useful and informative! As we wind up 2021 we wanted to re-release a couple of our most popular episodes from the last year. Advancing Health returns with new episodes in 2022. Until then we hope you and your family have a safe and wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!

Best of Advancing Health: Working towards value together Part 1 Dec 20, 2021

Happy holidays and thanks for listening to the Advancing Health podcast. We hope you have found it useful and informative! As we wind up 2021 we wanted to re-release a couple of our most popular episodes from the last year. Advancing Health returns with new episodes in 2022. Until then we hope you and your family have a safe and wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!

Healthcare Under Stress and Under Cyber Attack: The Correlation to Excess Deaths Dec 15, 2021

In this podcast, John Riggi, highly decorated veteran of the FBI and Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk at the American Hospital Association talks to two leading experts and colleagues in the field of cybersecurity from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) / U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Dr. L. Reuven Pasternak, Interim Senior Advisor and Joshua Corman, Chief Strategist. Reuven and Joshua will discuss a CISA Insights report “Provide Medical Care is in Critical Condition: Analysis and Stakeholder Decision Support to Minimize Further Harm” a groundbreaking qualitative and quantitative analysis, which models and measures hospital strain associated with excess deaths, as well as the effect of ransomware and the impact such a strain can have on a hospital and region, further contributing to excess deaths. This report tends to corroborate what to many is intuitive - ransomware attacks on hospitals may disrupt care delivery, risk patient safety and are threat to life crimes.

Allina Leaders discuss guidance on digital solutions in behavioral health care Dec 13, 2021

Since the onset of the pandemic, we have seen an increase in stress anxiety. depression, substance use and elevated numbers of suicidal ideation. The pandemic accelerated the adoption and expansion of tele-health services and reduced barriers to providing virtual care. In this podcast, Rebecca Chickey, senior director of field engagement and behavioral health services at AHA, is speaking with leaders from Allina health in Minnesota and western Wisconsin about mental health and addiction services and key digital innovations that the health system is using to provide behavioral health care to patients throughout the pandemic and beyond.

Nurse leaders discuss COVID-19 nursing challenges, solutions Dec 10, 2021

The fourth and current wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has created a worrisome landscape for the nursing profession. Nurses across the country report that they no longer feel celebrated as heroes as they did in the early days of the pandemic. Hostile patients, vaccine distrust, staffing shortages and community indifference have been on the rise, making the job of treating and containing the coronavirus even more difficult. How can hospitals and health systems best support their nurses? What are some ways to reduce stress for frontline workers? And what can be learned from the current pandemic climate to help strengthen and fortify the profession moving forward? AHA Senior Communications Manager Ben Wise is joined by Patricia Quinn, a registered nurse and board certified nurse executive serving as director of Maternal Child Health as well as the nurse manager of neonatal ICU and pediatrics at Lenox Hill Hospital and Northwell Health – and AHA Board Member Mary Beth Kingston, PhD, Chief Nursing Officer at Advocate Aurora Health and an American Academy of Nursing fellow – to discuss the current landscape of the nursing profession.

PFACs supporting hospitals through COVID-19 Dec 09, 2021

Today, in our final episode of our four-part series on Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) Elisa Arespacochaga, AHA vice president of clinical affairs and workforce, sits down with Nicole Iarrobino, senior project administrator of Patient and Family Advisory Councils at John Hopkins Hospital and Health System to discuss how their PFACs helped to support their organizations through the COVID-19 pandemic.

PFACs creating partnerships between providers, patients, and families Dec 08, 2021

In the third episode of our four-part series on Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs), Elisa Arespacochaga, AHA vice president of clinical affairs and workforce, sits down with Caroline DeLongchamps, manager of Patient and Family-Centered Care, and Quality and Safety, at MUSC Health to discuss how to go about establishing a PFAC including setting them up, staffing them, and sustaining them in your organization.

Establishing a PFAC in your Organization, Councils truly reflect the patients they serve Dec 07, 2021

In the second episode of our four-part series on Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs), Elisa Arespacochaga, AHA vice president of clinical affairs and workforce, sits down with Jacqueline Beckerman, chief patient experience officer and senior director at ICARE Commitment at the University of Rochester Medical Center to discuss how to go about establishing a PFAC and the importance of representing all aspects of your community.

Nursing Leadership in PFACs Dec 06, 2021

It has been well established that Patient and Family Advisory councils (PFACs) are an excellent way to capture the patient’s voice and perspective. These councils help health care institutions and providers to hear the voice of the patient, identify the needs of their patient population and bring patient and clinicians views closer together. In this four-part series we hear from leaders in this area and explore the important role of PFACs as hospitals navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. In today's episode Elisa Arespacochaga, AHA vice president of clinical affairs and workforce, sits down with Robyn Begley, AHA senior vice president and chief nursing officer, and Pamela Rudisill, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Community Health Systems to discuss the value of nursing leadership in PFACs.

PFACs supporting hospitals through COVID-19 Dec 05, 2021

Today, in our final episode of our four-part series on Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) Elisa Arespacochaga, AHA vice president of clinical affairs and workforce, sits down with Nicole Iarrobino, senior project administrator of Patient and Family Advisory Councils at John Hopkins Hospital and Health System to discuss how their PFACs helped to support their organizations through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Improving the Patient Billing Experience: Froedtert Dec 03, 2021

In the final episode of this Members in Action podcast series, Julia Resnick, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the AHA, is speaking with Scott Hawig, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administration Officer at Froedtert and Paul Spencer, Vice-President of Managed Care and Revenue Cycle Services to learn how Froedtert in Wisconsin is consolidating bills from across the continuum of care to make the process more patient friendly.

Improving the Patient Billing Experience: MedStar Health Dec 01, 2021

In episode two of this Members in Action Podcast series, Julia Resnick, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the AHA, is speaking with Stephanie Schneider, Vice President for MedStar Georgetown Medical Center, and Susan Whitecotton, Vice President of Patient Financial Services and CBO at MedStar Health about how the Maryland based health system is creating a simpler billing experience for their patients.

Improving the Patient Billing Experience: ChristianaCare Nov 29, 2021

Hospitals across the country are re-designing their billing process to improve the patient experience. The AHA will share resources designed to help hospitals to implement the AHA Patient Billing Guidelines. In this Members in Action podcast series, Julia Resnick, director of Strategic Initiatives at the AHA is speaking to Rob McMurray, Chief Financial Officer of ChristianaCare in Delaware. They will discuss how ChristianaCare is tailoring their billing approach to better meet the needs of their patients.

The Value of Information Sharing with the FBI and H-ISAC Nov 23, 2021

In this podcast John Riggi, Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk at the American Hospital Association, talks to two leading experts in the field of cybersecurity, Section Chief David Ring, FBI’s Cyber Engagement and Intelligence Section and Errol Weiss, Chief Security Officer at H-ISAC. David and Errol will discuss the latest ransomware attacks on hospitals as well as the partnership between H-ISAC, AHA, and the FBI to exchange cyber threat intel and to broadcast and amplify warnings.

The Challenges Confronting Rural Communities, Providers and Their Remedies: A Panel Discussion. Nov 18, 2021

In recognition of National Rural Health Day, John Supplitt, Sr. Director, AHA Rural Health Services is joined by 4 colleagues from AHA each of whom has a unique perspective on pathways to recovery and solutions to the challenges confronting rural health care providers and the communities they serve. Workforce, behavioral health, and maternal health are among the highest priorities of rural communities. Experts offer their insights and solutions with a special focus on the role of the hospital board in leading the effort.

Community Investment Series: How CommonSpirit Health & Trustees Prioritize and Implement Strategy Nov 17, 2021

Community Investment, otherwise known as place-based investment, helps create the social and physical environments that support community health over the long term. In the final episode of the series, Gary Yates, M.D., board of stewardship trustees at CommonSpirit Health discusses the community investment at CommonSpirit Health and the Board of Stewardship Trustees, including directing and championing their work and helping to develop measures and metrics to track progress. Learn more about this series at https://www.aha.org/center/population-health/community-investment-health/conversations

Community Investment Series: How Trinity Health & Trustees Prioritize and Implement Strategy Nov 15, 2021

Community Investment, otherwise known as place-based investment, helps create the social and physical environments that support community health over the long term. In the fourth episode of the series Kevin Barnett, board of trustees of Trinity Health discusses Trinity Health and the Board of Trustees' community investment, including directing and championing their work and helping to develop measures and metrics to track progress. Learn more about this series at https://www.aha.org/center/population-health/community-investment-health/conversations

Community Investment Series: Implementing and Connecting to Organizational Mission & Strategy Nov 12, 2021

Community Investment, otherwise known as place-based investment, helps create the social and physical environments that support community health over the long term. In the third episode of the series, Ray Prushnok, executive director of UPMC Center for Social Impact, and Rob Koenig, senior director of strategy and operations at Boston Medical Center discuss both health systems participation in the Accelerating Investments for Healthy Communities initiative and their health system’s work with community partners to create and sustain community investment. Learn more about this series at https://www.aha.org/center/population-health/community-investment-health/conversations

Community Investment Series: How Investment Strategies Align Health Equity, Community and Population Nov 10, 2021

Community Investment, otherwise known as place-based investment, helps create the social and physical environments that support community health over the long term. In this second episode of the series, Kendra Smith, vice president of community health at Bon Secours Mercy Health, and Sheryl Garland, chief of health impact at VCU Health System discuss the importance of aligning and integrating community investment strategies, authentically engaging the community, investing in local infrastructure and taking a longitudinal approach to this work and its impact. Learn more about this series at https://www.aha.org/center/population-health/community-investment-health/conversations

Community Investment Series: How Health System Executives Can Lead Community Investment for Health Nov 08, 2021

Community Investment, otherwise known as place-based investment, helps create the social and physical environments that support community health over the long term. In this first episode of the series, Doug Brown, CEO of UMass Memorial Community Hospitals, and chief administrative officer of UMass Memorial Health and Lillian Montoya, president and CEO, CHRISTUS St. Vincent Health discuss how the health systems are investing in their communities to address affordable housing, food insecurity and other priority needs to improve the health of individuals and communities and create sustainable change. Learn more about this series at https://www.aha.org/center/population-health/community-investment-health/conversations

MOMS Collaborative Reduces Disparate Outcomes with Northwell Health Nov 03, 2021

In this Members in Action podcast featuring maternal and child health efforts, Aisha Syeda, program manager at the AHA is joined by leaders from Northwell Health. Dr. Viktor Klein is the System Director of Quality and Patient Safety for OBGYN at Northwell Health, and also the Vice Chairman of OBGYN at North Shore University Hospital and Dr. Adriann Combs is the Clinical Director and the Associate System Director of Quality and Patient Safety of the OB/GYN Quality & Patient Safety Dept at Northwell. Drs. Klein and Combs will share how launching the Maternal Outcomes and Morbidity or MOMs Collaborative has increased awareness of maternal health complexities, and reduce disparities in maternal care.

Combating Workplace Violence in Health Care by Creating Safer Workplaces Oct 27, 2021

The AHA’s Hospitals Against Violence initiative and the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety partnered to create resources for health and security leaders on how to build safer workplaces. In this podcast, Laura Castellanos AHA associate director and HAV lead, Erik Martin, R.N., chief nursing officer of Norton Children’s Hospital, and Connie Packard, chief of public safety at Boston Medical Center, IAHSS vice president and treasurer, discuss the collaboration, resources and what steps leaders can take to create safety and improve patient care.

HHS Cyber and Risk functions and Health Sector Partnerships Support National Cybersecurity Oct 20, 2021

There are 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, that are considered so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination thereof. One of the 16 sectors is the Healthcare and Public Health Sector. In this podcast, John Riggi, senior advisor for cybersecurity and risk at the AHA, speaks with three government officials covering HHS’s cyber threat intelligence and risk components to highlight how HHS and health sector partnerships support national cybersecurity.

Restoring Maternal Mental Health Oct 13, 2021

Joining Aisha Syeda, program manager at the AHA is Dr. Nirmaljit Dhami, the medical director of the inpatient perinatal psychiatry at El Camino Health; and Dr. Alpa Shah, director of the Perinatal Mental Health Clinic at Marshfield Clinic Health System. Each of them will share their work to reduce the prevalence and impact of maternal mental health illness such as depression and anxiety.

[Sponsored] Advancing Systemness Through Strategic Partnering and Scalable Mobilization Oct 11, 2021

In today’s challenging health care environment, patients, employees, caregivers and visitors expect a positive and consistent experience. Yet oftentimes, different service delivery models related to dining and environmental services exist within the same hospital or health system. Systemness, or the ability to provide a consistent experience for all stakeholders, has become a priority, as health care providers look to create environments and processes for greater continuity across their facilities.

Leadership Rounds with Fritz Francois, M.D. Oct 06, 2021

AHA Board Chair Rod Hochman, M.D., is joined by Fritz Francois, M.D., chief medical officer at New York University Langone Health. They discuss emergency preparedness, caregiver resiliency and health equity — all through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trauma And Trauma Informed Care Sep 29, 2021

In this podcast, Rebecca Chickey, senior director of field engagement, behavioral health services of the AHA is speaking with Dr. Glenn N. Saxe, about trauma…new traumatic events seem to be happening every day – a treatment for the impact of trauma, call trauma informed care, and opportunities for hospitals to lead in improving access to this important type of behavioral health treatment. Dr. Saxe is director of the NYU Center for Child Welfare Practice Innovation. He also directs the Trauma Systems Therapy Training Center; Professor of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry; Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Child Study Center; New York, NY.

National Threats to the Bio-Economy with SSA Edward You Sep 23, 2021

America’s hospitals and health systems are at risks of attacks that threaten the bio-economy. How do these threats affect patients and citizens and what we can do about it to help reduce risks? We are very privileged to have as our guest today, FBI supervisory special agent Edward You. You, a former colleague of John Riggi, our senior advisor for cybersecurity and risk at the AHA. You is a highly accomplished 17 year veteran of the FBI and one of the nation’s leading experts on threats to the bio-economy. In this podcast, they discuss their work defending hospitals and health systems against high impact ransomware attacks and cyber espionage campaigns.

Leadership Rounds With Mike Slubowski Sep 16, 2021

On this episode, Dr. Hochman discusses the COVID-19 pandemic and public health infrastructure with Mike Slubowski, president and CEO at Trinity Health, a Catholic health system that serves communities in 25 states. Mr. Slubowski relates how Trinity Health has become the “de facto public health system” in its communities during the COVID-19 crisis — vaccinating people, sharing information, responding to social needs, among other activities — and the challenges and opportunities to improve public health and public health coordination. During the conversation, the two health system leaders talk about the tremendous — and sometimes unrecognized — impact that the pandemic is having on the health care workforce. “We have to tell our story . . . to share some of the experiences and bravery that our people are exhibiting,” Slubowski says. “We have to be really clear on those areas of opportunity around infrastructure and why they would be helpful.”

Providing better care to women who experience postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive emergency Sep 15, 2021

Postpartum hemorrhages occurs in 1-5% of women who have a baby. In this Members in Action podcast, Aisha Syeda, program manager of strategic initiatives at the AHA, is joined by maternal health experts at The Children's Hospital of San Antonio to discuss an obstetrics simulation program, Practicing for Patients, designed to help hospitals conduct simulation drills on their labor and delivery unit to provide better care to women who experience a postpartum hemorrhage or hypertensive emergency during pregnancy.

Opioid Stewardship and Substance Disorders Aug 25, 2021

In this episode, Marie Cleary-Fishman, vice president of clinical quality at the AHA Center for Health Innovation is joined by Dr. Holly Geyer, internal medicine practitioner at the Mayo Clinic, to discuss opioid stewardship and resources the AHA has developed to offer guidance and information to hospitals and health systems on how they can partner with patients, clinicians and communities to address the opioid epidemic.

Refining Care to Improve Maternal Outcomes Aug 18, 2021

In this Members in Action podcast featuring maternal and child health efforts, Aisha Syeda, program manager at the AHA speaks with Dr. Nicole Lamborne, the vice president of clinical operations for women’s services at Virtua Health in New Jersey. Dr. Lamborne will share how Virtua identified gaps in maternal care, and invested in laborists, nurses and evidence-based practices to lower C-section, hypertension, hemorrhage and sepsis rates.

[Sponsored] Eight Strategies to Help Hospital Systems Manage Crises and Overcome Challenges Aug 11, 2021

Many times this requires hospitals and systems to develop new strategies and innovative approaches to deliver care and to maintain “the business” to better manage crises and overcome challenges. Join us for a discussion on eight key strategies that hospitals and systems can start implementing now and hear how Baptist Health Floyd Hospital is applying these strategies when handling crises and managing change, including the value that pathologists can provide.

Seven in Seven: Digital Solutions for Perinatal Care ft. CommonSpirit Health Aug 04, 2021

Alisahah Cole, M.D., System Vice President of Population Health Innovation and Policy, CommonSpirit Health shares the benefits of Docent Health, a consumer engagement and patient navigation technology. Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives, facilitates this conversation.

Seven in Seven: Digital Solutions for Perinatal Care ft. Froedtert & MCW Aug 04, 2021

Joining Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives is Kelly Stevenson, Senior Manager at Inception Health. Inception Health is the digital innovation arm of the Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin health network. Stevenson describes how Froedtert uses Babyscripts, a platform designed to better connect expectant mothers with their doctors and resources

Seven in Seven: Digital Solutions for Perinatal Care ft. MedStar Health Aug 02, 2021

In this podcast, Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives speaks with David Ghadisha, M.D., Baltimore Regional Director of Women’s Health Services, MedStar Health about PeriGen, an obstetric decision support software.

Seven in Seven: Digital Solutions for Perinatal Care ft. Boston Medical Center Aug 02, 2021

In this conversation, Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives speaks to Christina Yarrington, M.D., FACOG, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Yarrington describes how BMC utilizes rimidi to remotely monitor moms, while ensuring equitable access.

Seven in Seven: Digital Solutions for Perinatal Care ft. Providence St. Joseph Health Aug 02, 2021

Joining Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives is Trina Jellison, Group Vice President of Women and Children’s Institute at Providence St. Joseph Health. Tina shares how Providence St. Joseph Health’s use of Circle, acquired by Wildflower Health, a digital consumer engagement model, engages moms and families.

Seven in Seven: Digital Solutions for Perinatal Care ft. Connecticut Children’s Aug 02, 2021

For the last podcast in the series, Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives chats with Mary M. Lussier, RN, BSN, IBCLC, Lactation Services Coordinator, Connecticut Children’s. Mary shares how the use of Keriton, a feeding management, lactation analytics and patient engagement platform, has improved patient-provider connection and outcomes.

Seven in Seven: Digital Solutions for Perinatal Care ft. AVIA Aug 02, 2021

Kicking off the series, Sarah Carroll, Senior Director for AVIA’s Center for Care Transformation, shares emerging trends and success factors of perinatal digital solutions with Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives.

Leadership Rounds With Dr. Robert Trestman Jul 30, 2021

AHA Board Chair Rod Hochman, M.D., president and CEO of Providence, and Robert Trestman, M.D., chair for psychiatry and behavioral medicine at Carilion Clinic and a professor at the Viriginia Tech/Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Va., reflect on the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of health care professionals, patients and families. During the conversation, Trestman emphasizes that to improve behavioral health care, “overcoming the stigma of asking for and receiving help is the single biggest challenge we all face.” He is passionate about helping health care professionals “to realize that we are human beings … with limits … and it’s OK to ask for help.” Trestman serves as 2021 chair of the AHA Behavioral Health Services Committee.

Mental health clinicians discuss effects of dual stressors, COVID-19 and social injustice Jul 28, 2021

Communities of color, who over the past year have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, also experienced emotional distress exacerbated by events surrounding the murder of George Floyd. In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Leon Caldwell, senior director of health equity strategies and innovation for the AHA Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, speaks to Kesha Clarke, director of clinical services at the Philadelphia VA Hospital, and Karriem Salaam, M.D., medical director of adolescent psychiatric services at Friends Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia, about mental health stigma, racialized stress and self-care in communities including health care providers.

Nation-State Threats to U.S. Health Care Sector Jul 21, 2021

On this AHA Advancing Health podcast, John Riggi, AHA senior advisor for cybersecurity and risk, speaks with his former FBI colleague Mike Orlando, acting director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center. During their discussion, Orlando and Riggi warn and advise America’s hospitals about the latest cyber and counterintelligence threats, which have increased in frequency, complexity and severity and accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leadership Rounds With Stacey Stewart.mp4 Jul 14, 2021

In this episode, Rod Hochman speaks with Stacey Stewart, president and CEO of March of Dimes, and present her with AHA’s 2020 Award of Honor for her organization’s work during eight decades to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. - Reduce and eliminate preventable premature birth — a leading cause of infant death. - Improve the health of women, mothers and babies. - Address long-standing inequities in maternal health, including raising awareness about implicit and explicit bias by care providers. Our conversation touches on many other critical issues, including ensuring the health of pregnant women and babies during the COVID-19 pandemic, and working across sectors to improve health outcomes for all.

[Sponsored] How to pick a cybersecurity solution Jul 07, 2021

Hospitals and health systems have frequently been the target of high-impact ransomware attacks. In this podcast, John Riggi, AHA senior advisor for cybersecurity and risk advisory services, speaks with John Delano, regional chief information officer at AdventHealth, and Michael Hamilton, chief information security officer at Critical Insight, to unravel the complexities of cyber threats facing the field and the many cybersecurity solutions available to help hospitals and health systems protect themselves and their patients. This podcast is sponsored by Critical Insight (https://www.criticalinsight.com/solutions#detect-respond), an AHA Preferred Cybersecurity Provider. AHA, through its affiliated investment funds, has financial interest in sponsoring organization by virtue of its investments in such third-parties. Further, the AHA does not endorse, approve, certify, or control sponsoring organization, organization website and organization materials and does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose of any solution being offered by sponsoring organization, including any content/data presented in program materials.

Joining Hands: PFACs and COVID-19 Jun 30, 2021

In this podcast, moderated by AHA’s Julia Resnick, senior program manager for strategic initiatives, Libby Hoy, founder and CEO of Patient Family Centered Care Partners and Connie Montgomery, a member of the Medical University of South Carolina’s patient family advisory council discuss their experiences engaging with and advocating for patients and families throughout the pandemic. This podcast was funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents of this resource do not necessarily represent the policy of CDC or HHS, and should not be considered an endorsement by the Federal Government.

Using 340B programs to improve the health of communities dealing with sustained hardship Jun 23, 2021

Columbus, Ohio-based Mount Carmel Health System goes beyond the walls of its hospital to serve its community and patients through programs such as Street Medicine, which provides free urgent medical care to underinsured or uninsured individuals. Hear from Mount Carmel’s Brian Pierson, vice president of community health and well-being, and Lisa Wahoff, R.N., who also talk about the importance of the 340B Drug Pricing Program and how it allows the health system to provide important community services and programs.

Pathways to Recovery: Rebuilding a Rural Maternity Care Unit – Part 2 Jun 17, 2021

June 14, 2021 On this podcast AHA offers part two of two podcasts on rebuilding maternity services at a critical access hospital. Cristen Page, M.D., executive dean of UNC School of Medicine and Jeff Strickler, CEO of Chatham Hospital UNC Health Care, Siler City discuss the business case and how the plan was fulfilled to reintroduce safe and sustainable maternity services.

Local businesses’ role in increasing equitable health outcomes Jun 16, 2021

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Leon Caldwell, AHA’s senior director of health equity strategies and innovation, talks with Keith Ellison, program director of the Urban League of Philadelphia Entrepreneurship Center, about how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the pivotal role local businesses play in advancing equitable health outcomes, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face during the road to recovery.

Intermountain shares how it’s improving community health Jun 11, 2021

Nancy Myers, AHA vice president of leadership and system innovation, talks with Mikelle Moore, senior vice president and chief community health officer at Salt Lake City, Utah-based Intermountain Healthcare, about community health improvement (https://www.aha.org/center/community-health-improvement-week) during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Moore discusses how Intermountain is partnering with former competitors, reaching out to communities to better address health and social needs, and adding equity as a fundamental value for the organization.

Hospital Partnership Enables Streamlined COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts Jun 09, 2021

AHA’s Joining Hands for Greater Impact initiative highlights resources and stories of successful hospital-community partnerships in getting health care workers and community members vaccinated for COVID-19. In this podcast, hear from Gordon Oakes, director of clinical support services at Overlake Medical Center, and Jeff Friedman, vice president of operations at EvergreenHealth, discuss their partnership to get their Washington state communities vaccinated. This podcast was funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents of this resource do not necessarily represent the policy of CDC or HHS, and should not be considered an endorsement by the Federal Government.

Joining Hands for Greater Impact - Esperanza Health Centers Jun 02, 2021

Today’s podcast features how Esperanza Health Centers - a federally qualified health center in Chicago – has worked to keep their community healthy throughout the pandemic. It is moderated by AHA’s Julia Resnick, senior program manager for strategic initiatives. She is joined by Esperanza’s CEO, Dan Fulweiler and Ofelia Figueroa, their lead contract tracer. They will be discussing how Esperanza has engaged their primarily Latino community to increase vaccine confidence and access. This podcast was funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents of this resource do not necessarily represent the policy of CDC or HHS, and should not be considered an endorsement by the Federal Government.

Rural health system utilizes collaborations to increase integrated mental health care May 27, 2021

In this podcast marking Mental Health Awareness Month (https://www.aha.org/mental-health-awareness-month), Shane McGuire, CEO of Columbia County Health System in Dayton, Wash., discusses the hospital district’s collaborative work with the University of Washington’s psychiatry program and its Advancing Integrated Mental Health Center, which focuses on creating care models between primary care providers and their mental health care counterparts. Listen to learn how well-conceived partnerships helped expand mental health care to this rural community by integrating physical and mental health.

Leadership During Times of Crisis: COVID-19 May 26, 2021

In this podcast, Nancy Maldonado, CEO of the Chicano Federation (and affiliate member with AHA’s strategic partner UnidosUS), shares how the organization provided critical leadership in the San Diego community during the pandemic.

Improving COVID-19 Vaccination Equity Through Community Partnerships May 21, 2021

In this podcast, Rochelle Archuleta, director of post acute care policy for the AHA, is joined by Dr. Kimberly Avila Edwards, Director of Advocacy and External Affairs, and Jaeson Fournier, chief executive officer at Community Care, about their collaboration to develop a successful mass vaccination campaign targeting the Latino community in the Austin, Texas.

Pathways to Recovery: Rebuilding a Rural Maternity Care Unit – Part 1 May 19, 2021

On this podcast AHA offers part one of two podcasts on rebuilding maternity services at a critical access hospital. Cristen Page, M.D., executive dean of UNC School of Medicine and Jeff Strickler, CEO of Chatham Hospital UNC Health Care, Siler City discuss the strategic need and clinical case for maternity services at this small, rural community.

FosterMcGaw Freeman Health May 13, 2021

The AHA presents the Foster McGaw Prize annually to recognize hospitals and health systems that are leading the way through innovative collaborations that improve the health and well-being of everyone in their communities.

FosterMcGaw ProMedica May 13, 2021

The AHA presents the Foster McGaw Prize annually to recognize hospitals and health systems that are leading the way through innovative collaborations that improve the health and well-being of everyone in their communities.

FosterMcGaw UMass Memorial May 13, 2021

The AHA presents the Foster McGaw Prize annually to recognize hospitals and health systems that are leading the way through innovative collaborations that improve the health and well-being of everyone in their communities.

FosterMcGaw Texas Health Resources May 13, 2021

The AHA presents the Foster McGaw Prize annually to recognize hospitals and health systems that are leading the way through innovative collaborations that improve the health and well-being of everyone in their communities.

Role of Nurses in Health Equity May 11, 2021

In a new AHA podcast, Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives, and Robyn Begley, CEO of American Organization for Nursing Leadership and chief nursing officer and senior vice president at the AHA, discuss the role of nurses in achieving health equity, screening for social needs and advocating for policy change

Treating Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder in Rural Moms and Families. May 05, 2021

In this Members in Action podcast featuring maternal and child health efforts, Aisha Syeda, program manager at the AHA speaks with Kelsey Kyle, a RN care manager at St. Peter’s Health and her community partner, Brie MacLaurin, a nurse and the executive director of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, the Montana Coalition, Inc., Together, they discuss St. Peter’s Health Taking Care of You program, a parental support approach for treating Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders in a rural communities of Montana.

Star Ratings Follow-Up May 03, 2021

This is the second installment of podcasts about the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services—otherwise known as CMS—and their Hospital Star Ratings Program. Last time we heard from Akin Demehin and Caitlin Gillooley, who lead AHA’s work on policy regarding quality of care, CMS had proposed several changes to the Star Ratings Methodology. Since then, the agency has finalized some—but not all—of those changes. In this podcast, you'll hear about what changed, what didn’t, and what still needs to. We’ll also get the perspective of a hospital leader who can tell us how they see the Star Ratings program.

[Sponsored] A framework for improved collaborations between clinicians and labs Apr 29, 2021

Detroit-based Henry Ford Health System developed and implemented a framework connecting clinicians with laboratory professionals, which improved collaboration, removed process waste, improved patient outcomes and resulted in process efficiencies. This podcast is sponsored by the College of American Pathologists (https://www.cap.org).

Using Data to Address Health Inequities Apr 28, 2021

Fourteen organizations including Providence Health System, Henry Ford Health System, Northwell, and others, have formed Truveta. The platform will de-identify the data and use AI to mine datasets providing new insights into the unique needs of their patient populations. In this podcast, Doug Shaw, AHA senior vice president of field engagement, speaks with Rod Hochman, president and CEO of Providence and 2021 AHA Board Chair and Terry Myerson, CEO of Truveta, about the platform and its possibilities.

Getting COVID-19 vaccines to the American Indian, Alaska Native communities Apr 22, 2021

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Sara Jumping Eagle, M.D., and Jonathan Merrell, R.N., of the Indian Health Service discuss the plan to reduce the disproportionate COVID-19 infection rates in Indigenous communities through vaccine distribution and an administration strategy with national and local partners.

A Year in the Life – King’s Daughters Medical Center, Brookhaven, Miss. Apr 21, 2021

Rural hospitals are community strongholds, serving as the key point of care for nearly 20% of Americans. Beyond providing healing and hope, rural hospitals nationwide are pillars of their local economies, creating essential jobs that support families and community vitality. For this podcast, we honor our hospital heroes and focus on a year in the life of King’s Daughters Medical Center, Brookhaven, Mississippi from the perspective of KDMC's CEO, Alvin Hoover

Studying Birthing Experiences during COVID-19 Apr 15, 2021

SACRED Birth study’s survey tool called a Patient Reported Experience Measure of OBstetric racism©, also known as the PREM-OB Scale, is designed to capture patient experiences during labor, birth, and postpartum and identify obstetric racism in hospital settings. In this podcast, Priya Bathija, Vice President of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives speaks with Dr. Karen Scott, Associate Professor, OB/GYN Hospitalist, and Applied Epidemiologist. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences and Humanities & Social Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco to learn more ways we can identify obstetric racism in an effort to achieve maternal health equity.

Long Term Care Hospitals Addressing Needs of Long Haul COVID Patients Apr 14, 2021

Experts discuss ‘long-haul’ COVID-19 patients and the role of hospitals. Jim Prister, president and CEO of RML Specialty Hospital in Chicago, AHA Board of Directors member and chair of the AHA’s post-acute care steering committee, and John Votto, D.O., a pulmonologist and former CEO of the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, Conn., discuss the experiences of individuals who no longer have the active COVID-19 virus, but still have complex symptoms caused by it.

Leadership Rounds with Alvin Hoover Apr 08, 2021

Dr. Hochman was joined in March by Alvin Hoover, CEO of King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven, Miss., who is serving on the front lines of rural health care. The conversation covered how KDMC, an independent rural hospital with about 75% of its patients covered by either Medicare or Medicaid, has responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine equity in the race to get shots in arms. Alvin also talked about sustainable ways to meet community needs in the near and long term, including how rural hospitals are defined.

Hospital Partners with Faith-based Group to Vaccinate Muslim Community Apr 07, 2021

Throughout the COVID-19 hospitals and health systems have been forging new partnerships with stakeholders to ensure ongoing care for their patients, health care workers and communities. To highlight these efforts, AHA has launched a new series of resources called Joining Hands for Greater Impact. In this first podcast series, AHA’s Priya Bathija talks with leaders from Henry Ford Health System and the Islamic Center of America about their collaboration to increase vaccinations in the Muslim community around Detroit. Learn about the cultural and logistic considerations the partners took into account in order to make their efforts successful. This content was funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (grant number CK20-2003). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this resource do not necessarily represent the policy of CDC or HHS, and should not be considered an endorsement by the Federal Government.

[Sponsored] Innovating for improved operational excellence Mar 31, 2021

Texas Health Resources faced a long-standing problem of addressing process and documentation breakdowns in clinical documentation, denials management and coding. On this Advancing Health podcast, David Salsberry, chief revenue officer of Texas Health Resources, discusses how the system formed a collaborative team of leaders to bridge these performance gaps. This podcast is sponsored by Protiviti (https://www.protiviti.com/).

Building capacity and reaching hardest hit communities to combat COVID-19 Mar 24, 2021

On this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Germaine Smith-Baugh, president and CEO of the Urban League of Broward County in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., talks about combating the COVID-19 pandemic through testing, vaccinations and education within the community, which include people hardest hit by the pandemic. Smith-Baugh also shares ways for hospital and health systems to address vaccine uptake and access issues for people of color.

Building capacity on the front lines to combat COVID-19 Mar 17, 2021

On this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Esther Corpuz, CEO of Alivio Medical Center in Chicago, talks about combatting the COVID-19 pandemic through testing, vaccinations and education within the community. Corpuz also shares insights on working with the Hispanic community to increase vaccine confidence and equitable approaches to vaccine administration.

WEL Project Series: Dawn Sears, M.D. Mar 10, 2021

In this AHA Physician Alliance podcast, Dawn Sears, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Temple, Texas, shares how she applied skills learned from the Women’s Wellness through Equity and Leadership Project to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The program helps address women physician leaders’ wellness and leadership needs.

Voices on Value: Doug Jutte, Build Healthy Places Mar 04, 2021

The Build Healthy Places network is all about bridge-building…finding ways to tie together and thus magnify the positive impact that community developers and health professionals can have by working together more closely. In this “Voices on Value” podcast, Julia Resnick, Senior Program Manager with AHA, speaks with a leader in this work of busting out of professional silos and making a difference together.

WELProject Series: Amy Ahasic, M.D. Mar 03, 2021

In this AHA Physician Alliance podcast, Amy Ahasic, M.D., section chief for pulmonary and critical care medicine at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut, shares how she applied skills learned from the Women’s Wellness through Equity and Leadership Project to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The program helps address women physician leaders’ wellness and leadership needs.

Leadership Rounds With Consuelo Wilkins Mar 02, 2021

Dr. Hochman was joined in February by Consuelo H. Wilkins, MD, MSCI, Vice President for Health Equity, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean for Health Equity, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

WEL Project Series: Janine Adjo, M.D. Feb 24, 2021

Janine Adjo, M.D., chair and director of the pediatric residency program at SBH Health System Bronx, shares how she applied the skills learned from the Women’s Wellness through Equity and Leadership Project in light of COVID-19.

The 4 M's with Marie Cleary-Fishman Feb 17, 2021

The 4Ms – What Matters, Medications, Mentation and Mobility are designed to work together to afford seniors their best possible quality of life. The 4M approach is guided by the belief that one is never too old to stay engaged with life. In this podcast, you’ll learn about Pop, whose daughter, Liza, shared his inspiring story with Marie Cleary-Fishman, vice president of clinical quality at the AHA Center for Health Innovation.

Experts share experiences combating human trafficking Feb 10, 2021

Hospitals and health systems every day see patients who are impacted by violence and human trafficking. Experts from CommonSpirit Health share their stories and discuss the importance of mission-driven programs that raise awareness of human trafficking and help combat this issue in their hospitals’ surrounding communities.

AHA Briefing On Reconciliation Feb 05, 2021

Reconciliation is a complicated process, even to those who fully understand it. In a nutshell, it’s a way of passing legislation in the Senate with a bare majority of 51 votes, as opposed to the 60 usually needed. This podcast is an edited version of a Feb. 3rd professional briefing on the reconciliation process and what it may mean for passage of the COVID relief bill. Our speaker is Mary Naylor, AHA’s senior associate director for Federal Relations.

Pathways to Recovery: Rural Montana Leaders Rising to the Occasion Feb 03, 2021

In this podcast, you will hear the story of recovery from four rural hospital and health system leaders in Montana. Each has managed a medical surge, experienced reduced volume, suffered workforce fatigue, grieved lost neighbors and family, suffered financial insecurity and rose to meet their challenges by remaining agile while identifying alternative pathways to assure the local delivery of care.

The Impact of COVID-19 and the Winter Season on Substance Use Disorders Feb 02, 2021

In this week’s episode, Marie Cleary-Fishman, vice president of clinical quality at the AHA Center for Health Innovation is joined by Debra Houry, MD, MPH, director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to discuss how to navigate the opioid epidemic amid the emotional triggers brought on by COVID-19 and the post-holiday, winter blues. Seasonal affects, such as hibernation and loneliness, can lead to a gloomy outlook and make people feel hopeless. Hospitals and health systems can proactively identify patient needs and offer solutions to avoid increasing uses of opioids and other substances in their communities.

Leadership Rounds With Tom Priselac Jan 28, 2021

Please join AHA Board Chair Rod Hochman, M.D., as he kicks off the first Leadership Rounds discussion of 2021. Dr. Hochman will continue the series that AHA launched last year and will host conversations on a range of key issues facing the field with hospital and health system leaders from across the country and other special guests. Dr. Hochman was joined in January by Tom Priselac, President and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Health System.

Atlantic Health System successfully combats human trafficking Jan 27, 2021

New Jersey-based Atlantic Health system transformed recognition and response processes to human trafficking, becoming a model of success and making its communities safer. In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, hear from Atlantic’s Ingrid Johnson, R.N., and its CEO and past AHA Board Chair Brian Gragnolati, as they discuss the importance of c-suite leadership in supporting efforts to raise awareness of and combat human trafficking

2021 AHA Talent Scan: State of the Health Care Workforce Jan 22, 2021

Today we hear the perspectives of Elisa Arespacochaga, Vice President of the American Hospital Association’s Physician Alliance, and two other prominent AHA leaders. These experts’ viewpoints are among those included in the 2021 Health Care Talent Scan, the AHA’s annual snapshot of health care talent management trends and strategies. The 2021 Health Care Talent Scan is sponsored by Certiphi Screening.

Members in Action: Creighton University Medical Center Jan 20, 2021

In this Members in Action podcast, Julia Resnick, Senior Program Manager at the AHA, is speaking with leaders from CHI Health’s Creighton University Medical Center, Drs. Amy McGaha, Tom Gluck and Kristy Brandon Keefner. They will be discussing how a culture of interdisciplinary care teams enable them to improve value for their patients.

Members in Action: Mount Sinai Health System Jan 13, 2021

The hospital-at-home model continues to emerge as a promising approach to improve value for some patients by enabling them to receive acute-level care in their homes. In this Members in Action podcast, Julia Resnick, senior program manager at the AHA, speaks with Linda DeCherrie, M.D., clinical director of Mount Sinai at Home, and Albert Siu, M.D., director of Sinai at Home, to learn about how Mount Sinai Health System in New York extends care outside of hospital walls.

Protecting People Everywhere Series: Uvalde And Bobblehead Jan 06, 2021

In this podcast, Priya Bathija, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the AHA, moderates a discussion between Tom Nordwick, CEO of Uvalde Memorial Hospital, and Phil Sklar, Co-founder and CEO of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, on continued PPE needs of hospitals and how non-traditional organizations have sought to help address these needs. Uvalde received over 7,000 PPE items from the Bobblehead donation.

Leadership Rounds With Rod Hochman Dec 18, 2020

Dr. Estes was joined by Rodney F. Hochman, M.D., President and CEO, Providence St. Joseph Health and Chair Elect Designate of the AHA, to discuss how hospitals can move from relief, recovery, and rebuilding to reimagining and innovation.

Leadership Rounds With Claire Zangerle Dec 18, 2020

Dr. Estes was joined by Claire Zangerle, MSN, MBA, RN, Chief Nurse Executive at Allegheny Health Network (AHN), to discuss how hospitals can move from relief, recovery, and rebuilding to reimagining and innovation.

Members in Action: Cherokee Indian Hospital Dec 18, 2020

In this Members in Action podcast, Julia Resnick, Senior Program Manager at the AHA, is speaking with Casey Cooper, CEO and Dr. Rick Bunio, executive clinical director of Cherokee Indian Hospital and Principal Chief Richard Sneed of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. They will be discussing the impact of the hospital’s relationship-based integrated care model and how it has enable their community to better address the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19: Vaccination and Distribution in Black and LatinX Communities Dec 17, 2020

In this conversation, Nancy Foster, Vice President for Quality and Patient Safety Policy, talks with Sonia Perez, Chief Operating Officer, UnidosUS, and Clint Odom, Senior Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, National Urban League and Executive Director, National Urban League’s Washington Bureau, about best practices hospitals and health systems can use to reach Black, Latinx and underserved communities and strategies for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Members in Action: Presbyterian Healthcare Services Dec 16, 2020

In this Members in Action podcast, Julia Resnick, Senior Program Manager at the AHA, is speaking with Dr. Nancy Guinn, medical director of Presbyterian at Home and Dr. Elizabeth de Pirro, medical director of hospital at home and complete care. They will be discussing how Presbyterian is improving outcomes and the patient experience while reducing cost through their hospital-at-home work.

Using motivational interviewing as a tool to address suicide risk Dec 10, 2020

Today we are talking about motivational interviewing and how it has been used at Parkland Health and Hospital System to assess patients for suicide risk with David Herrman, Motivational Interviewing trainer of suicide risk assessment and intervention at Parkland Health and Hospital System.

Marrying mental and physical health – Practical approaches and sustainability Dec 10, 2020

Today we are talking about sustainable and practical approaches to marrying physical and behavioral health care with Minnie Matthews, Director of Global Behavioral Health at Parkland Health and Hospital System, and Dr. Pedro Fernandez, Co-Chief of Psychiatry at Parkland and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Reducing suicide across the inpatient, ED and outpatient settings Dec 10, 2020

Today we are talking about reducing suicide across the inpatient, ED, and outpatient settings with Jenny Esparza, LCSW, Behavioral Health Social Work Manager, Parkland Health and Hospital System, and Diann Francis, LMSW, MBA, Social Work Manager Parkland Health and Hospital System.

Health Inequities in Black and Underserved Communities: COVID-19 and The Flu Dec 09, 2020

In this conversation, Elisa Arespacochaga, Interim Executive Lead, Institute for Diversity & Health Equity and Vice President, AHA Physician Alliance, talks with Andrea Custis, President and CEO, Urban League of Philadelphia, about health inequities in Black and underserved communities with a focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming flu season. In 2017, AHA formed a national strategic alliance with National Urban League to focus on advancing health equity in Black and underserved communities and diversity and inclusion in health care governance.

Protecting People Everywhere Series: REI and Merit Solutions Dec 02, 2020

In this podcast, AJ Rolle, Senior Program Manager at the AHA, moderates a discussion between Marc Berejka, Director of Government & Community Affairs at REI, and Bill Burke, CEO of Merit Solutions, on how their organizations are contributing to AHA’s 100 Million Mask Challenge through HealthEquip, a smart app that connects individuals and organizations who have PPE to hospitals treating patients with the coronavirus.

Addressing Stigma with Shatterproof Nov 25, 2020

In this episode Elisa Arespacochaga, Vice president of AHA's Physician Alliance sits down with Matt Stefanko of Shatterproof to discuss how they have implemented a comprehensive suite of tools to combat stigma associated with substance abuse disorder.

Leadership Rounds With Sarah Krevans Nov 23, 2020

Dr. Estes is joined by Sarah Krevans, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sutter Health, to discuss how hospitals can move from relief, recovery, and rebuilding to reimagining and innovation.

Remedying Implicit Bias in Maternity Care Nov 19, 2020

In this podcast, we discuss the benefits of March of Dimes’s implicit bias training program titled, Breaking through Implicit Bias in Maternal Health Care. Joining Priya Bathija, Vice President of AHA’s Strategic Initiatives is Chief Medical & Health Officer, Senior Vice President, and Interim Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Rahul Gupta and AHA’s CNO and AONL’s CEO Robyn Begley.

Rogers Behavior Health: LEAN Methodology and Process Improvement Nov 18, 2020

In this episode, Rebecca Chickey, MPH, senior director of behavioral health and field engagement at the American Hospital Association is joined by Brian Kay, vice president of continuous improvement at Rogers Behavioral Health, as well as Dr. Patrick O’Malley, medical director of primary care services at Rogers Behavioral Health. The discussion: LEAN methodology to improve hospital processes impacted by the COVID pandemic.

Leadership Rounds With Kevin Sowers Nov 17, 2020

Dr. Estes is joined by Kevin W. Sowers, President of the Johns Hopkins Health System and Executive Vice President of Johns Hopkins Medicine, to discuss how hospitals can move from relief, recovery, and rebuilding to reimagining and innovation.

Strategies to prevent flu, chronic conditions during pandemic Nov 12, 2020

Adam Myers, M.D., population health chief at Cleveland Clinic, talks with Nancy Foster, AHA vice president for quality and patient safety, about preventing flu and treating chronic diseases during the pandemic.

Supreme Court hears oral argument in appeal of ACA ruling Nov 10, 2020

The U.S. Supreme Court today heard oral argument in the latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals last year ruled the ACA’s individual mandate unconstitutional and sent the case back to the district court in Texas for the judge to determine which of the law's provisions could survive without the mandate. Twenty states and the District of Columbia petitioned the Supreme Court to review the decision. Sean Marotta, who authored the AHA’s friend-of-the-court brief (https://www.aha.org/amicus-brief/2020-05-13-amicus-brief-national-hospital-associations-support-california-state) urging the court to reverse the appeals court decision, provided live analysis of today’s hearing for AHA on Twitter (https://www.aha.org/supreme-court-cases).

Strategies to prevent health professional burnout Nov 10, 2020

David Zaas, M.D., chief clinical officer for MUSC Health in South Carolina and CEO of its Charleston Division, talks with Nancy Foster, AHA vice president for quality and patient safety, about strategies and tools to address burnout as health care professionals continue to care for COVID-19 patients.

Advancing Equity in Partnership with the Medical Staff Nov 05, 2020

In this conversation, Darren Henson, Director of Operations with the AHA’s Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, speaks with Laura Vail, Director, Health Equity at Cone Health and Dr. Alvin Powell, Chief Health Equity Officer at Cone Health. Also joining the conversation is Paul Jeffrey, president of Cone Health’s Wesley Long Hospital. He also served as its inaugural Chief Inclusion Officer. Our discussion will focus on Cone Health’s process and creative steps hospitals and health systems can take to achieve similar success.

Advancing Health Equity through Research & Science Oct 28, 2020

In this conversation, Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of the AHA’s Physician Alliance and interim executive lead for the AHA’s Institute for Diversity an Health Equity, talks with Essa Mohamed, PhD, Class of 2020 Bush Foundation Fellow and NIH Fellow at Mayo Clinic’s Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, about ways to advance health equity and reduce health care disparities through research and clinical trials. We’ll learn about the impact of community based participatory research and strategies to engage the community in hospital and health systems research goals.

Value Rounds: Michael Suk, M.D., and Brooke Buckley, M.D. Oct 22, 2020

Joining us for part 4 of the podcast series is Priya Bathija, vice president of Strategic Initiatives at the AHA, in conversation with Dr. Michael Suk, Chief Physician Officer, Geisinger System Services, and Chair of Musculoskeletal Institute & Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Geisinger Health; and Dr. Brooke Buckley, Chief Medical Officer at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.

Health Inequities in the Latinx Community: COVID-19 and The Flu Oct 21, 2020

In this conversation, Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of the AHA’s Physician Alliance and interim executive lead for the AHA’s Institute for Diversity an Health Equity, talks with Rita Carreon, deputy vice president for health, UnidosUS, about health inequities in Latinx communities with a focus on COVID-19 and the upcoming flu season. We’ll learn about challenges facing the Latinx community and how community based organizations can help hospitals and health systems improve health status for Latinx communities across the country.

Using SDOH Data to Reduce Breast Cancer Oct 16, 2020

Access to potentially life-saving mammograms is more difficult for women who face with social determinants of health such as low-income, lack of transportation or the inability to take time off from work. In Dallas, Parkland Hospital & Health System is focused on reducing cancer disparities by addressing these health-related social needs.

Leadership Rounds With Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom Oct 15, 2020

The fifth in the series featured Dr. Estes talking with Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Senior Vice President of Community Health & Equity and Chief Wellness & Diversity Officer at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit and Michigan's First Surgeon General about health equity. This episode was recorded on October 8, 2020.

Value Rounds: Agnes Barden and Robert Rose Oct 15, 2020

Joining us for part 3 of the podcast series is Robyn Begley, CEO of American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), and CNO at the AHA, in conversation with Agnes Barden, Vice President of Patient & Customer Experience at Northwell Health and Robert Rose, Chief Nursing Officer at Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center.

Boards Addressing Social Needs [Part Two] Oct 14, 2020

Hospital and health system trustees are promoting value in their communities by tackling societal factors that influence the health and well-being of their communities. A panel of trustees, moderated by Priya Bathija, AHA’s vice president of Strategic Initiatives, will discuss how their boards have made community health a strategic priority for their organizations, and how they prioritize, collaborate, measure and fund these important efforts in partnership with community stakeholders.

Boards Addressing Social Needs [Part One] Oct 14, 2020

Hospital and health system trustees are promoting value in their communities by tackling societal factors that influence the health and well-being of their communities. A panel of trustees, moderated by Priya Bathija, AHA’s vice president of Strategic Initiatives, will discuss how their boards have made community health a strategic priority for their organizations, and how they prioritize, collaborate, measure and fund these important efforts in partnership with community stakeholders.

Leadership Rounds With Rachelle Schultz Oct 09, 2020

The fourth in the series featured Dr. Estes joined by Rachelle Schultz, President and CEO, Winona Health, to discuss COVID-19’s impact on health trends and services in Minnesota. This episode was recorded on August 27, 2020.

Member in Action: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Oct 07, 2020

In this Members n Action podcast, we will focus on Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s age-friendly efforts. This includes the use of the 4Ms Framework in their Geriatric Fracture Program and its integration in telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leadership Rounds With Dr. David Zaas Oct 01, 2020

Dr. Estes talks with Dr. David W. Zaas, CEO of MUSC Health - Charleston Division and Chief Clinical Officer for MUSC Health, to discuss COVID-19’s impact on health trends and services in South Carolina.

Value Rounds Series: Working Towards Value Together | Part 2 Sep 30, 2020

Joining us today for part 2 of the podcast series is Elisa Arespacochaga, Vice President of Physician Alliance at the AHA, in conversation with Dr. Chris Moriates, Assistant Dean for Health Care Value, Dell Medical Center, and Executive Director at Cost of Care and Dr. Pamela Johnson, Vice President of Care Transformation at Johns Hopkins Health System.

Eliminating Disparities in Birth Outcomes Sep 24, 2020

In this Members in Action podcast featuring maternal and child health efforts, we are speaking with Dr. Ken Fawcett, Vice President and Peggy Vander Meulen, Manager of Community Health Programs of Spectrum Health Healthier Communities program. We will dive into the importance of promoting race equity to ensure healthy pregnancies, healthy babies and better outcomes for the community in general.

Centering Care around “What Matters” to Patients Sep 23, 2020

Marie Cleary-Fishman, AHA's Vice President of Clinical Quality, speaks with Amy Berman, Senior Program Officer at The John A. Hartford Foundation, and Erin Emery-Tiburcio, Associate Professor of Geriatric and Rehabilitation Psychology at Rush University Medical Center. Berman and Emery-Tiburcio share how they used the 4Ms Framework to build a culture that prioritizes the needs of older adults and how these efforts have improved value. This conversation was held at the AHA’s The Value Initiative Executive Forum, Addressing Disruption Through Innovation and Value.

Innovatively Reaching Women and Families Sep 17, 2020

In this Members in Action podcast, featuring maternal and child health efforts, we speaks with Dr. Hyagriv Simhan, Professor of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, and Division Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Beth Quinn, Program Director of Women’s Services, both at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, about innovate strategies the hospital is using to engage women and families through technology

Value Rounds Series: Working Towards Value Together Sep 16, 2020

Brought to you by the American Hospital Association’s The Value Initiative and Physician Alliance, the “Value Rounds Podcast Series: Working towards Value Together” will feature leaders from the field to explore how clinicians and hospital leaders must work together to address health care value and affordability. Joining us today for part 1 of the podcast series is Priya Bathija, vice president of Strategic Initiatives at the AHA, in conversation with Dr. David Perlstein, Chief Executive Officer at SBH Health System and Dr. David Zaas, Chief Executive Officer, MUSC Health - Charleston Division, and Chief Clinical Officer for MUSC Health.

Partnering to Improve Birth Outcomes Sep 15, 2020

In this podcast featuring maternal and child health efforts, we are speaking with care team members from Kearney County Hospital in Lakin, Kansas as they discuss the importance of a growing OB unit, and share the impact of Kearney County’s Pioneer Baby program.

Living and Learning through COVID-19 Sep 04, 2020

AHA has compiled several case examples demonstrating the struggles and successes of rural hospitals battling COVID-19 in their communities. These have been organized in a compendium available on our website at www.aha.org. For this podcast, we honor our hospital heroes and examine how two rural hospitals are living and learning through COVID-19. Today, we meet with Dr. Lesley Ogden, CEO, Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, and Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital located in Lincoln County, Oregon.

Addressing Prenatal Substance Use Sep 04, 2020

In this podcast, Priya Bathija, vice president of Strategic Initiatives at the AHA and Dr. Jonathan Weeks, a maternal-fetal medicine physician and the medical director of the MOST Program at Norton Healthcare. Joining them is Charlotte Ipsan, Chief Administrative Officer, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital.

Telebehavioral health care in a COVID-19 World Sep 02, 2020

In this podcast, Rebecca Chickey, senior director of field engagement, behavioral health services of the AHA is speaking with Martha Whitecotton, senior vice president of Behavioral Health Services at Atrium Health in Charlotte North Carolina, about using telehealth visits to provide behavioral health care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Safely, Effectively, Reducing C-section Rates Aug 27, 2020

In this Members in Action podcast featuring maternal and child health efforts, we are speaking with Dr. Stephen Lockhart, Chief Medical Officer of Sutter Health. Dr. Lockhart will discuss Sutter Health’s commitment to improving outcomes by reducing the number of first-birth C-section rates through its Pregnancy & Childbirth Services, in addition to engaging mothers and their families through the process.

Tackling the PPE Crisis Aug 26, 2020

In this podcast, AJ Rolle , Senior Program Manager at the AHA, moderates a discussion between Priya Bathija, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives at the AHA, and Dr. Ali Raja, Executive Vice Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, at Massachusetts General Hospital; and co-founder of GetUsPPE They discuss the challenges related to PPE and the work that the AHA and GetUsPPE are doing to support hospitals in meeting their safety equipment needs.

Doula Enhance the Birthing Experience Aug 19, 2020

In this Members in Action podcast featuring maternal and child health efforts, Aisha Syeda, Program Manager at the American Hospital Association is speaking with Mary Schwaegerl, an Obstetrics Director… and Julia Yoder, a Marketing & Public Relations Director at Brookings Health System, as they share the impact of their volunteer doula program at Brooking’s New Beginnings Birth Center.

Changing the Way We Approach Opioid Use Disorder Aug 18, 2020

In today's episode Elisa Arespacochaga, Vice president of AHA's Physician Alliance, sits down with Richard Bottner — an affiliate faculty member at Dell Medical School — to discuss how they have implemented an innovative treatment program to address opioid use disorder and reduce stigma

Leadership Rounds with Dr. Harsh K Trivedi Aug 14, 2020

Dr. Estes will talk with Harsh K. Trivedi, M.D., president and CEO of Baltimore-based Sheppard Pratt, to discuss COVID-19’s impact on behavioral health trends and services in the U.S.

Improved Communication with Families Leads to Better Health Outcomes for Children Aug 13, 2020

In today’s podcast, two Children’s Wisconsin caregivers, Kim Cronsell, MD, and Cecille Sulman, MD, discuss their digital engagement tool, The Patient Journey. They will discuss the app’s many advantages and promising results with Julia Resnick, senior program manager at the American Hospital Association Cecil Soulman

Increasing capacity to care through a virtual hospital Aug 12, 2020

COVID-19 has prompted many changes in the way hospitals manage and care for their patients. As hospitals across the nation deal with the ebb and flow of COVID-19 patients and shortages of ICU beds, North Carolina’s Atrium Health has found a promising solution to increasing their inpatient capacity. Elisa Arespacochaga, Vice president of AHA's Physician Alliance, explores Atrium’s approach in this conversation with hospital leaders.

Enhance Value through National Policies and Social Change Aug 06, 2020

Improving the health of an entire community involves many touchpoints, including long-term efforts to change the social and environmental factors that impact health. In today’s podcast, Julia Resnick, senior program manager for The Value Initiative at AHA, explores the secrets to TCI’s success with Jaime Dircksen, vice president of community health and well-being for Trinity Health.

Hospitals are ready to care for all patients during the COVID-19 pandemic Aug 05, 2020

Patient safety has always been the number one priority for hospitals and health care providers, and COVID-19 has not changed that one bit. In fact, the safety protocols put into place for patients, families, care providers and staff since the pandemic’s onset are the most stringent they’ve ever been. Today, we hear from Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips, Chief Clinical Officer of the Providence health system.

Leadership Rounds: Dr. David Perlstein Jul 31, 2020

Dr. Perlstein is the President and CEO of SBH Health System in the Bronx (formerly known as St. Barnabas Hospital), which serves an impoverished and multicultural community. Previously, Dr. Perlstein served as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of the Hospital and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics. He continues to be clinically active and has spent the majority of his career promoting better health and better healthcare in the Bronx

Grady Health Using Predictive Analytics to Improve Value Jul 30, 2020

In this podcast, Julia Resnick, senior program manager for The Value Initiative, speaks with Shannon Sale, chief strategy officer at Grady Health System in Atlanta, about how they're using artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to improve their population health strategy.

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: Best Practices to Help Diverse Communities Jul 30, 2020

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. In this conversation, Lisa Hinton, Senior Health Equity and Value specialist with the AHA’s Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, speaks with a faith-based organization leader and two health care experts on ways they are broadening their health system’s approaches to improving community access to mental and behavioral health services in the Greater Bronzeville neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side.

Rural philanthropy as a long-term strategy Jul 29, 2020

On this Advancing Health podcast, Joy Lewis, AHA vice president for strategic policy planning, and Allen Smart, principal at Winston-Salem, N.C.-based PhilanthropywoRx, discuss the imperative for rural hospital leaders to develop long-term strategies where community engagement and philanthropy meet for the good of communities’ health. When properly positioned for the long-term, philanthropic relationships with both the private and public sector entities can fuel both innovation and population health improvements.

Getting Hospital Care During a Pandemic Jul 29, 2020

In this podcast, Nancy Foster, Vice President for Quality and Patient Safety Policy at the AHA, is joined by Paul Skolnik, chair of medicine and an infectious disease specialist at Carillion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia, to discuss what patients should know about getting care at a hospital during a pandemic and the new practices and protocols hospitals and health systems are enacting to keep patients safe.

Discussing the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood Jul 27, 2020

Congresswomen Lauren Underwood and Alma Adams launched the Black Maternal Health Caucus to address one of the most urgent crises in the United States today. In this podcast, Priscilla Ross, senior associate director for federal relations, speaks with Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, co-chair of the Caucus, about their mission to elevate the Black maternal health crisis within Congress and advancing policy solutions to improve maternal health outcomes and end disparities.

Standardization Results in Enhanced Value and Improved Outcomes Jul 23, 2020

The University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville kick-started its own care redesign process in 2008. The goal of the ongoing work is to transform its delivery system to disease specific, evidence-based, patient-centric plans that span entire episodes of care. So what does that look like, and what does it take to get there? In this podcast, Julia Resnick, senior program manager for Strategic Initiatives with AHA, explores those questions and others with Joe Landsman, president and chief executive officer at The University of Tennessee Medical Center; and Dr. James Shamiyeh, senior vice president and chief quality officer at UTMC.

Leading with Professional Accountability featuring Dr. Patricia Sullivan Jul 20, 2020

In this episode Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of AHA’s Physician Alliance speaks to Patricia Sullivan, Chief Quality Officer at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Leading with Professional Accountability featuring Dr. William Cooper Jul 20, 2020

In this episode Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of AHA’s Physician Alliance speaks to Dr. William Cooper, Cornelius Vanderbilt professor of Pediatrics and Health Policy, associate dean for Faculty Affairs and vice president for Patient and Professional Advocacy at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

Leading with Professional Accountability featuring Dr. Gerald Hickson Jul 20, 2020

This episode features a conversation with Jay Bhatt, former senior vice president and chief medical officer at the American Hospital Association and Dr. Jerry Hickson, Joseph C. Ross Chair of Medical Education and Administration at Vanderbilt Universiy Medical Center and founding director for the Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy.

Leading with Professional Accountability featuring Dr. Craig Uthe Jul 20, 2020

In this episode Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of AHA’s Physician Alliance speaks to Dr. Craig Uthe, medical director of physician well-being at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Leadership Rounds - Dr. Marc L. Boom Jul 17, 2020

In the premiere episode of the series, Dr. Melinda Estes, AHA Board Chair and President and CEO of St. Luke's Health System is joined by Dr. Marc Boom, president and CEO of Houston Methodist, to discuss how the health system is navigating the COVID-19 crisis in Texas.

Maintaining a Culture Of Value During COVID-19 Jul 15, 2020

Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA's strategic initiatives and Dr. Bob Pendleton, Chief Medical Quality Officer of University of Utah Healthcare come together again to discuss how University of Utah Healthcare is looking at value as a result of COVID-19.

Applying FCC Funds for Home Monitoring Under COVID-19 Jul 09, 2020

AHA has tracked the stories of several rural community hospitals as part of our coverage of COVID-19. Those stories and their podcasts may be found on the AHA website. As part of this series we share how rural hospitals have found new ways of delivering care to patients under COVID-19. Today, we hear from Brian Evans, CEO of Clarke County Hospital in Osceola, Iowa and Corey Martin, senior director at the Iowa Hospital Association, who applied for and received funds to expand telehealth services to include home monitoring.

Collecting REaL data to conquer COVID-19 Jul 08, 2020

In this conversation, Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of the AHA’s Physician Alliance and interim executive lead for the AHA’s Institute for Diversity an Health Equity, talks with two health system chief diversity officers about their efforts to learn more about the patients they are serving through REAL data collection, stratification and utilization. We’ll learn about REAL data and how it may present a clearer overall picture of the pandemic’s impact on specific communities. More is available at www.ifdhe.aha.org.

Reinventing To Improve Patient Experience Jun 17, 2020

In this podcast, Priya Bathija, vice president of The Value Initiative at the AHA, and Carol Vargas, Vice President, Integrated Care and Dr. Sylvia Romm, Chief Innovation Officer, both at Atlantic Health, discuss COVID-19’s impact on telehealth and integrated care.

Recharging to Better Connect during COVID-19 Jun 10, 2020

With COVID-19 on the rise, hospitals and other organizations are leveraging technology to expand outreach to patients and communities. In this podcast, Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s The Value Initiative, speaks with Kaakpema Yelpaala, founder and CEO of access.mobile again about using mobile technology to address health needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exploring opportunities for hospital-led race conversations and changes Jun 05, 2020

AHA facilitates a discussion how hospitals can contribute to the conversation around race and positive change.

Community Collaboration during the COVID-19 Epidemic Jun 03, 2020

In this podcast, Nancy Myers, vice president of leadership and system innovation at the AHA interviews, Nancy Combs, director of community health integration for Henry Ford Health System.

Leading during COVID-19 – Lessons Learned from Clinical and Administrative Teams (Part 2) May 28, 2020

In the second of this two-part podcast, Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president, AHA Physician Alliance, speaks with leaders at Henry Ford Health System discussing learnings and experiences as a result of COVID, specifically taking a look at the role of collaboration between clinical and administrative leaders to enable teams to be more effective together.

Leading during COVID-19 – Lessons Learned from Clinical and Administrative Teams (Part 1) May 28, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about new challenges for health care providers including the way teams communicate and work together. In this first of a two-part podcast, Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president, AHA Physician Alliance, sits down with two senior leaders from New York City-based Medisys Health Network to discuss how their clinical and administrative leaders are working together to lead their teams through this crisis.

De-escalating Workplace Violence in Behavioral Health Settings May 27, 2020

Parkview Health’s efforts to improve the physical environment, engage its clinical staff and increase training contributed to improved patient perception and a decrease in reported workplace violence. Learn from Parkview Health’s leadership on how this culture shift created compassionate connections between the workforce and improved safety for patients.

AHA Changing Workforce Task Force May 19, 2020

While workforce challenges are significant, there are many opportunities available to hospitals and health systems to improve care, motivate and re-skill staff, and modernize processes and business models that reflect the shift toward providing the right care, at the right time, in the right setting. To develop actionable solutions, the AHA launched the Changing Workforce Task Force in the fall of 2019. The Task Force is charged with developing bold, new ideas to advance strategic thought leadership on the future of the health care workforce. The chair of the Task Force is Cathy Jacobson, president and CEO of Froedtert Health in Milwaukee, WI.

Palliative Care and the COVID-19 Pandemic May 14, 2020

In this episode, Marie Cleary-Fishman, vice president of clinical quality at AHA is joined by Diane Meier, director of the Center to Advance Palliative Care and faculty at Mt. Sinai Health Systems in NYC and MacArthur genius awardee to discuss COVID-19’s impact on caring for seriously ill patients.

Surviving the COVID-19 Surge – Marshall Medical Center May 13, 2020

We will hear the story of hospital heroes caring for COVID-19 patients at Marshall Medical Center located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. Marshall is a full service, 125-bed not-for-profit hospital with a Level 3 trauma center serving El Dorado and its neighboring counties.

Kings' Daughter Medical Center: Meeting the Challenge of COVID-19 May 06, 2020

Recently, AHA published a compendium of case examples demonstrating the struggles and successes of rural hospitals battling COVID-19 in their communities. For this podcast, we honor our hospital heroes and focus on surviving the surge from the perspective of Alvin Hoover, CEO, King’s Daughters Medical Center, Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Countering the U.S. Opioid Epidemic: Introduction to the Action Collaborative May 06, 2020

In this podcast, Jay Bhatt, former senior vice president and chief medical officer of the AHA, Victor Dzau, president of the National Academy of Medicine, and Ruth Katz, vice president and the executive director of the Health, Medicine, and Society Program at the Aspen Institute discuss how they have brought together stakeholders and leaders to address the U.S. opioid epidemic in an innovative and comprehensive way.

A Conversation with the DHS About COVID-19 Cyberthreats [Part 2] Apr 30, 2020

In part two of this two-part podcast, two senior officials at the forefront of the ongoing duel with cybercriminals. DHS Under Secretary and Chief Intelligence Officer, David Glawe; and DHS Assistant Director for Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security, Bryan Ware, continue their conversation with John Riggi, a career FBI veteran who now serves as senior advisor for cybersecurity and risk for the American Hospital Association.

Surviving the Coronavirus Surge – Margaret Mary Healthcare, Batesville, Ind. Apr 29, 2020

Recently, AHA published a compendium of case examples demonstrating the struggles and successes of rural hospitals battling COVID-19 in their communities. For this podcast, we honor our hospital heroes and focus on surviving the surge from the perspective of Tim Putnam, CEO, Margaret Mary Healthcare, Batesville, Indiana.

Extending the Reach of Treatment thru Peer Support Specialists Apr 29, 2020

This podcast will explore how Tidelands Health has employed peer support specialists - people who have been successful in the recovery process who help others experiencing similar situations-- patient navigators. Tidelands staff will provide highlights of peer support training, as well as how they have been accepted by staff, clinicians and patients. Moreover, they will share how peer support has improved patient outcomes, reduced return visits to the ED and has returned time to clinicians for other activities.

Addressing the Needs of Behavioral Health: Creating a Safe Space in the ED Apr 29, 2020

- All communities deserve equal access to mental health services but often the only alternative is the local emergency department. This podcast will share how Tidelands Health Took an existing space down, adjacent to emergency department in one of their hospitals, and created 6 private rooms for behavioral health patients. This new environment improves safety for patients and staff, and provides a calmer environment for assessment than the hospital’s emergency department.

No Behavioral Health Services Onsite? Collaboration can be the Solution Apr 29, 2020

In this podcast, we will learn how, though collaboration at the state and local level, Tidelands Health provides improved access to behavioral health services without onsite inpatient beds or clinicians. Monica Grey will describe their community health resource team’s work focused on the state’s healthy outcome program, “HOP” strengthening the connections between Tidelands, local mental health agencies, and community mental health centers.

DHS Protecting Critical Networks from COVID-19 Cyberthreats Apr 23, 2020

In part one of this two-part podcast, you’ll from two senior officials at the forefront of the ongoing duel with cybercriminals. DHS Under Secretary and Chief Intelligence Officer, David Glawe; and DHS Assistant Director for Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security, Bryan Ware, are speaking with John Riggi, a career FBI veteran who now serves as senior advisor for cybersecurity and risk for the American Hospital Association.

A Hospital and a Community Work in Partnership During a Pandemic Apr 22, 2020

In this podcast, Darren Henson, AHA’s director at the Institute for Diversity & Health Equity, explores how despite the COVID-19 outbreak, Loyola University Medical Center – serving the Chicago area – remains committed to its partnership with a community-driven, multi-sector coalition. Professor Lena Hatchett, PhD, from Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine, shares how the relationship between the medical center’s physicians and clinical staff with Proviso Health Partners ensures ongoing patient needs.

The Role of Technology in the Fight Against Coronavirus Apr 22, 2020

COVID-19 is reshaping health care through technology. Recent advances, such as artificial intelligence, telehealth, virtual collaboration and data tracking are stepping up to help address the virus and flatten the curve. In this podcast, Andy Shin, chief operating officer and senior vice president at the AHA Center for Health Innovation and Kaveh Safavi, head of global health at Accenture discuss the role of technology during this pandemic.

Using telehealth to treat coronavirus patients Apr 16, 2020

COVID-19 cases around the country are increasing daily. While hospitals and health care workers are trying their best to treat those positive cases, they are also exploring telehealth and virtual care to prevent overcrowding hospitals and containing the spread of coronavirus.

How Digital Tools Can Help Address Coronavirus Apr 09, 2020

The rapid spread of COVID-19 has presented hospitals and health systems with the greatest public health challenge in recent history. In this Advancing Health podcast, Andy Shin, COO of the AHA’s Center for Health Innovation discusses what digital response strategies have been successful, and what lessons have been learned, with Bruce Brandes, general manager digital and partner Network, AVIA and Vindell Washington, chief clinical officer, Verily

A Conversation with the FBI on Mitigating Coronavirus Cyber Threats Apr 08, 2020

On this podcast, John Riggi, Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk at the American Hospital Association and FBI Cyber Division Senior Executive Herb Stapleton discuss significant corona-related cyber threats. Stapleton also discusses what the FBI is doing to counter those threats and assist hospitals.

Using telehealth to address behavioral issues (Part Two) Apr 01, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals and health systems are expanding telehealth services. In part two, Jay Bhatt, D.O., senior vice president and chief medical officer of the AHA, continues the discussion on the value of telehealth to address behavioral health issues with Shantanu Agrawal, M.D., president and CEO of the National Quality Forum, and Arpan Waghray, M.D., executive medical director for behavioral medicine at Swedish Health Services in Seattle and chief medical officer at Well Being Trust.

A conversation with Kimberlydawn Wisdom Mar 26, 2020

As March ushers in Women's History Month, our new Advancing Health podcast "Black History & Women's History Months: A Conversation with our Board Chair" features an interview with Kimberlydawn Wisdom, M.D., a remarkable leader who was recently recognized on Modern Healthcare Magazine's list of Top 25 Minority Leaders. Listen as she shares insights and stories about the influential people throughout her life who've guided her path to success in this new podcast conversation with Darren Henson, Ph. D., IFDHE director of operations.

Using telehealth to address behavioral issues (Part One) Mar 25, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals and health systems are expanding telehealth services. In addition, addressing mental health needs during this crisis is becoming increasingly important. In part one of this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Jay Bhatt, D.O., senior vice president and chief medical officer of the AHA, discusses the value of telehealth to address behavioral health issues and poses questions for leadership teams with Shantanu Agrawal, M.D., president and CEO of the National Quality Forum, and Arpan Waghray, M.D., executive medical director for behavioral medicine at Swedish Health Services in Seattle and chief medical officer at Well Being Trust. The AHA and NQF partnered to create Redesigning Care: A How-To Guide for Telebehavioral Health. https://www.aha.org/center/emerging-issues/market-insights/telehealth/telebehavioral-health]

Building a Culture of Value Mar 18, 2020

In this podcast, Priya Bathija, vice president of The Value Initiative at the AHA, and Dr. Bob Pendleton, Chief Medical Quality Officer of University of Utah Healthcare discuss the importance of value in today’s times, in addition to ways providers can remove barriers and build a sustainable culture of value.

Skills needed to address burnout at the system level Mar 12, 2020

In this episode Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of AHA’s Physician Alliance speaks with Dr. William Maples, president and CEO at the Institute for Healthcare Excellence and Dr. Bridget Duffy, chief medical officer of Vocera Communications.

What are the leadership needs to address burnout Mar 12, 2020

In this episode Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of AHA’s Physician Alliance speaks with Dr. William Maples, president and CEO at the Institute for Healthcare Excellence and Dr. Ronald Paulus, president and CEO of RAPMD Strategic Advisor’s and executive in residence at General Catalyst. Dr. Paulus is the immediate past president and CEO of Mission Health.

Measuring the effectiveness of burnout prevention strategies Mar 12, 2020

In this episode Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of AHA’s Physician Alliance speaks with Dr. Read Pierce, vice president of culture transformation and strategy at the Institute for Healthcare Excellence and practicing internist at the University of Colorado and Dr. Bryan Sexton, director of the Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality and associate professor, continuing the conversation on burnout and taking a look at how to measure work that is being done in this area.

Value of using collaboration to advance health equity Mar 05, 2020

In part two of this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Jay Bhatt, D.O., AHA senior vice president and chief medical officer, and Maurice Jones, president and CEO of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, continue their discussion on social determinants of health and how collaborations between hospitals and community development organizations advance health equity

Using community health workers to expand access in rural areas Mar 04, 2020

On this Advancing Health podcast, John Supplitt, AHA senior director, speaks to two rural hospital leaders about the importance of implementing an effective community health worker program to expand health care access.

Emory doctor discusses coronavirus outbreak Feb 26, 2020

On this Advancing Health podcast, AHA’s Akin Demehin, director of policy, speaks to Colleen Kraft, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University, about novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Kraft was a physician leader during the West African Ebola outbreak and shares her experience, what this new outbreak could look like, and how hospitals can prepare.

A conversation about the future of health care innovation Feb 20, 2020

On this podcast, Jay Bhatt, D.O., AHA senior vice president and chief medical officer, and Andy Shin, chief operating officer of the AHA Center for Health Innovation, discuss major trends for 2020 and beyond as health care organizations build teams to advance clinical care and drive innovation.

Compassionate Care: Beth Lown Feb 19, 2020

In this episode Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of AHA’s Physician Alliance speaks with Dr. Beth Lown chief medical officer at the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, internist at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Compassionate Care: Emily Silverman Feb 19, 2020

In this episode Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of AHA’s Physician Alliance speaks with Dr. Emily Silverman, an internal medicine physician at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and creator and host of The Nocturnists, a live show and podcast where doctors share stories from the world of medicine.

Compassionate Care: Laura Crooks Feb 19, 2020

In this episode Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of AHA’s Physician Alliance speaks with Laura Crooks, chief executive officer of Children’s Village of Yakima in Washington state and co-founder of Chad’s Legacy Project, an organization dedicated to reducing stigma around mental illness and connecting people to treatment.

Using gun violence research to prevent injuries, deaths Feb 18, 2020

On this Advancing Health podcast from AHA’s Hospitals Against Violence initiative, Megan Ranney, M.D., co-founder and chief research officer of AFFIRM (American Foundation for Firearm Injury Reduction in Medicine) www.affirmresearch.org, talks about the importance of research and a public health approach to help end firearm violence.

Using collaboration to advance health equity Feb 18, 2020

On this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Jay Bhatt, D.O., AHA senior vice president and chief medical officer, and Maurice Jones, president and CEO of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, discuss social determinants of health and how collaborations between hospitals and community development organizations can advance health equity.

Health care leaders talk benefits of community collaboration Feb 05, 2020

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Nancy Myers, AHA vice president of leadership and system innovation, speaks with health care leaders from Washington state and Ohio to discuss the results of community collaboratives with public health departments, hospitals and health systems, and other organizations.

Rural hospital offers flexibility to recruit physicians Jan 29, 2020

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of the AHA Physician Alliance, talks with Benjamin Anderson, former CEO of Kearny County Hospital in Lakin, Kan., about how his hospital took a chance on an unorthodox approach to recruit physicians, including offering four-day work weeks and limited on-call commitment.

Health care leaders tout value of community collaboration Jan 22, 2020

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Nancy Myers, AHA vice president of leadership and system innovation, leads a discussion with health care leaders from Washington and Ohio who have shepherded community collaboratives with public health departments, hospitals and health systems, and other organizations.

Iran Cyber Threat Assessment Jan 17, 2020

John Riggi, Senior Advisor of Cybersecurity and Risk Advisory Services at the American Hospital Association discusses the increased risk of cyber-attacks due to the recent escalating friction with Iran and how hospitals and health systems can protect themselves

Using AI to reach rural patients Jan 15, 2020

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, John Supplitt, senior director of AHA Rural Health Services, talks to Rachelle Schultz, CEO of Winona Health, about clinicians using artificial intelligence to identify and diagnose illnesses and injuries and recommend customized treatment plans, making primary care more accessible to those isolated by distance, weather or transportation.

Working to eliminate maternal mortality Jan 09, 2020

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Ginny Trainor, program director for the AHA’s Better Health for Mothers and Babies initiative, and Robyn Begley, AHA senior vice president and chief nursing officer and AONL CEO, outline AHA’s strategy to address maternal morbidity and mortality.

Experts give update on human trafficking fight, awareness Jan 08, 2020

As part of Human Trafficking Awareness month, Ashley Garrett, director of the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center, and Hanni Stoklosa, M.D., executive director and co-founder of HEAL Trafficking, join Laura Castellanos, AHA associate director and lead for the association’s Hospitals Against Violence initiative, to provide updates on national efforts and resources in the fight against human trafficking.

Understanding the health care integration trend Dec 18, 2019

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Tom Priselac, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Health System in California, discusses how efforts to expand patient access to high-quality, affordable care are driving new hospital and health system relationships.

Preparing the next generation of health care leaders Dec 11, 2019

Three experts from AHA’s Center for Health Innovation discuss what skills the next generation of health care leaders will need

Using technology to improve health outcomes Dec 04, 2019

Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s The Value Initiative, speaks with Kaakpema Yelpaala, founder and CEO of access.mobile, about using mobile technology to engage patients in their health.

Patient safety 20 years after ‘To Err Is Human’ Nov 27, 2019

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Jay Bhatt, D.O., AHA senior vice president and chief medical officer, and Robyn Begley, CEO of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and AHA chief nursing officer, discuss the impact of the Institute of Medicine report, which prompted changes to the nation’s health care system that reverberate today.

Task force leader discusses rural challenges, innovations Nov 21, 2019

Kris Doody, CEO of Cary Medical Center in Caribou, Maine, and chair of the AHA Future of Rural Health Care Task Force, talks with Joy Lewis, AHA vice president of strategic policy, about the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural health care.

Health care leader reflects on ‘To Err is Human’ report Nov 20, 2019

Mary Wakefield, visiting health care professor at Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies, sat on the committee that produced the landmark 1999 report and later served as administrator at the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. She talks with Nancy Foster, AHA vice president for quality and patient safety policy, about why the report has had such an impact on patient safety.

Preparing for the future health care workforce Nov 14, 2019

In this AHA Advancing Health Podcast, Stacy Blanchard, senior managing director at Accenture, and Joy Lewis, AHA vice president of strategic policy, discuss changes coming to the health care workforce. AHA recently launched its Task Force on the Changing Workforce to address these challenges in health care.

Patient safety leader reflects on ‘To Err is Human’ report Nov 13, 2019

Mark Chassin, M.D., president and CEO of The Joint Commission, sat on the Institute of Medicine committee that authored the landmark 1999 report. He talks with Nancy Foster, AHA vice president for quality and patient safety, about its impact on health care safety.

Byron Hepburn - Military Medicine Nov 11, 2019

The United States Armed Forces produces some of the best leaders in the world. By studying the way military leadership influences teamwork and cooperation, civilian organizations including hospitals and health systems are improving the way the work together and communicate.

Health care 20 years after ‘To Err is Human’ report Nov 06, 2019

Jonathan Perlin, M.D., president of clinical services and chief medical officer at HCA Healthcare and former chairman of the AHA Board of Trustees, and Nancy Foster, AHA vice president for quality and patient safety, discuss the landmark Institute of Medicine report and progress to build a safer health care system.

HLTH Conference 2019 Nov 01, 2019

Health care leaders increasingly recognize that tackling the field’s biggest challenges can’t be achieved alone. And this recognition has resulted in a rise of unique partnerships across what’s now often referred to as the health care ‘ecosystem.’ In this podcast, Lindsey Burgstahler, vice president of programming and intelligence for AHA’s Center for Health Innovation discusses highlights from the HLTH 2019 Conference with Andy Shin, chief operating officer for the AHA Center for Health Innovation and Bruce Brandes, general manager of digital solutions and strategic alliances for AVIA.

Developing physician leaders Oct 30, 2019

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Elisa Arespacochaga, vice president of the AHA Physician Alliance, Jay Bhatt, D.O., AHA senior vice president and chief medical officer, and Brian Juncker, partner at Strategic Talent Solutions, discuss a new AHA program to help hospitals identify and develop physician leaders.

Reducing low-value care Oct 23, 2019

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Julia Resnick, senior program manager for AHA's The Value Initiative, talks with staff members from Inova Health System in Virginia about their initiative to prevent unnecessary preoperative testing.

Incorporating Empathy in the Workforce Oct 16, 2019

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Julia Resnick, senior program manager for the AHA’s The Value Initiative, and Steve Bovey, quality supervisor for the Empathy in Action program at Adventist Health Castle in Kailua, Hawaii, talk about the program that teaches staff and volunteers listening skills and empathetic approaches to engaging with patients, families and colleagues.

AI's Potential to Personalize Medicine Oct 09, 2019

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Eric Topol, M.D., Founder and Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, and Suzanna Hoppszallern, senior editor, AHA Center for Health Innovation talk about how artificial intelligence has the potential to transform everything doctors do and free physicians from the tasks that interfere with human connection. AI can create space for the real healing that takes place between a doctor who can listen and a patient who needs to be heard.

A closer look at health equity Oct 03, 2019

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Duane Reynolds, president and CEO of the AHA’s Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, and Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s The Value Initiative, discuss how health equity is a moral issue that affects the length and quality of people’s lives. They share how hospitals and health system leaders are addressing the social determinants of health and social needs to make care more equitable.

Using Z codes to address patient needs Oct 02, 2019

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Julia Resnick, senior program manager for AHA’s The Value Initiative, leads a discussion about Z codes and their benefits in indicating a patient’s history, status or problem that may affect health care. Priya Bathija, TVI vice president, and Nelly Leon-Chisen, AHA director of coding and classification, join the discussion.

CRA Study On Hospital Mergers Sep 26, 2019

On this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Monica Noether and Sean May, both vice presidents at Charles River Associates, talk about a report they authored that found hospital mergers decrease costs, expand care and improve the ability to address social determinants of health.

Working together to prepare for emergency scenarios Sep 25, 2019

In this AHA Advancing Health podcast for National Preparedness Month, Robert Kadlec, M.D., assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, discusses how hospitals and the federal government can work together to meet the challenge of national readiness.

Acute and post-acute care providers join forces Sep 17, 2019

As part of National Rehabilitation Week, the AHA Advancing Health podcast focuses on partnerships between acute care hospitals and post-acute care facilities. Douglas Struyk, president and CEO of Christian Care Center, and Robert Brenner,M.D., president of clinical integration for Valley Health System, discuss how their New Jersey facilities work together to provide savings, improved care and happier patients.

Common traits help in understanding tragedy Sep 12, 2019

Dr. Michael Myers discusses the causes of physician suicide, sharing how input from family members and an understanding of physician traits such as perfectionism shed light on the tragedy of physician suicide.

How hospitals can promote well-being Sep 12, 2019

Dr. Heather Farley discusses what hospitals can do to promote connectedness and well-being among physicians. She notes that the repetitive trauma of practicing medicine can often cause physicians to lose the joy that inspired them to pursue the field, and speaks openly about some of the isolation she felt at different points in her medical career.

A doctor shares his struggle and recovery Sep 12, 2019

Dr. Michael Weinstein shares his personal struggle to practice medicine while battling depression and thoughts of suicide. This heart wrenching story is a profound journey of hope and recovery, and provides a needed window into the experiences of physicians who struggle with mental illness.

Getting the most from HCAHPS surveys Sep 11, 2019

On this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Nancy Foster, AHA vice president of quality and safety policy, moderates a discussion on the need for an update to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. Also joining the conversation are AHA’s Akin Demehin, director of policy, and Caitlin Gillooley, senior associate director for behavior health and quality policy.

2019 Innovation Start-Up Challenge Sep 04, 2019

Mital Patel, director of market intelligence for the AHA Center for Innovation speaks with Chris Looby, vice president of business development for Prescience Health, winners of of the 2019 Innovation Start-Up Challenge.

Applying innovation lessons from other fields Aug 21, 2019

On this AHA Advancing Health Podcast, author Safi Bahcall shares innovation lessons from his recent book, Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Disease, and Transform Industries, that health care leaders can apply.

Getting Patients and Caregivers on the Same Page Aug 19, 2019

OpenNotes is a growing movement to encourage greater access and transparency by allowing patients to see their care providers’ notes after visits and appointments. In this podcast, a panel of experts discuss what is gained by inviting patients to take a larger role in their own care.

Exploring disparities in maternal health Aug 14, 2019

In this Advancing Health podcast, Jay Bhatt, AHA Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, speaks with a leading expert about what more can be done. Dr. Sharmila Makhija chairs the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, N.Y

Innovation Challenge winner utilizes telehealth in maternal, infant health Aug 14, 2019

On this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Priya Bathija, vice president of AHA’s The Value Initiative, speaks with a team from the top winner of the American Hospital Association’s 2019 Innovation Challenge, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, about their award-winning approach to maternal and infant health using telehealth.

Eliminating maternal health disparities Jul 31, 2019

On this AHA Advancing Health Podcast, Jay Bhatt, AHA senior vice president and chief medical officer, and obstetrician-gynecologist Sharmila Makhija, M.D., discuss the AHA Institute for Diversity and Health Equity’s goal of eliminating maternal health disparities, including lowering maternal mortality rates for black women.

Cultivating Tomorrow’s Health Care Leaders Jul 29, 2019

Our mission to advance health in America can only be as successful as the people who lead it. In a time of rapid transformational change, much depends on the readiness of next generation health care leaders to step up and accept the challenge of driving our field toward innovation and value.

Health care leaders investing in innovation Jul 24, 2019

On this AHA Advancing Health Podcast, Jay Bhatt, AHA senior vice president and chief medical officer, and Jonah Michael, senior vice president of First American Healthcare Finance, discuss why innovation has become a top priority for hospitals and health systems.

Driving Value by Addressing the Social Determinants of Health Jul 22, 2019

At a recent executive forum in Boston presented by AHA’s The Value Initiative, AHA Board Chair, Brian Gragnolati, spoke with Kate Walsh, CEO of Boston Medical Center. She shared her insights, along with her belief that most hospitals and health systems have the capability to engage with the social determinants, thereby improving value and enhancing outcomes and the patient experience.

AHA Rural Report Series: How rural hospitals are responding to challenges Jul 17, 2019

On this AHA Advancing Health Podcast, two rural health care policy experts dive into the AHA rural report, published earlier this year, and discuss its call to action for rural providers and advocates.

Partnering to combat human trafficking Jul 16, 2019

How is the battle against human trafficking going? Is all the effort making a difference? On this AHA Advancing Health Podcast, Robyn Begley, AHA senior vice president and chief nursing officer, moderates a discussion with two government experts on the topic of human trafficking.

Evaluating protocols to improve care and reduce costs Jul 10, 2019

Eliminating unnecessary medical tests and procedures can be as important in delivering high-quality care as providing the right interventions. In this Advancing Health podcast we speak with Pamela Johnson, vice chair of quality safety and value for the department of radiology at John Hopkins Health. We learn how one major health system is taking a hard look at its treatment protocols, thereby improving quality outcomes and decreasing health care costs.

How an Ohio hospital provides affordable housing Jun 26, 2019

On this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Julia Resnick, senior program manager for AHA’s The Value Initiative, and Kelly Kelleher, M.D., vice president of health services research at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital (Ohio), discuss the components of a healthy community and the hospital’s initiative to build affordable homes on vacant properties.

Healthcare Without an Address Jun 24, 2019

Today’s health care consumers value convenience as a major influence in their decision-making about their care. Hospitals and health systems have responded by greatly increasing access, bringing care services to outreach clinics, homes, and other venues that meet patients where they are. This AHA podcast, “Healthcare Without an Address,” takes a look at how the new emphasis on mobility and convenience is advancing health in America.

Reducing burnout in behavioral health providers Jun 19, 2019

On this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Jordan Steiger, performance improvement coach at the AHA Center for Health Innovation, and Suzette Urbaschich, director of Rogers InHealth, part of Rogers Behavioral Health System in Wisconsin, discuss the stress of working in emotionally draining and intellectually demanding health care environments and strategies to reduce burnout.

Rural city part of groundbreaking heart disease prevention Jun 12, 2019

Today we take a look at the Heart of New Ulm Project, a collaborative effort between the New Ulm medical center and the Minneapolis heart institute foundation. This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at reducing heart disease throughout the rural city of New Ulm, Minnesota focusing on preventing cardiovascular disease versus treating it after it occurs.

A Health Equity and Community Health Conversation Jun 03, 2019

On this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Nancy Myers, vice president of leadership and system innovation for the AHA Center for Health Innovation, and Duane Reynolds, president and CEO of the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, discuss health equity and its relationship to community health.

Collaboration | AHA Executive Forum, Atlanta, GA May 29, 2019

Earlier this month, The Value Initiative hosted an AHA Executive Forum in Atlanta where hospital and health system leaders shared insights and explored opportunities to address value and affordability in health care. While the forum explored a variety of topics one theme resonated throughout the day – collaboration.

AHA Rural Report Series May 29, 2019

Hospitals are the cornerstones of their communities, serving as principal access points to care for the nearly 60 million people or 20 percent of Americans who live in rural areas. Despite their importance, rural hospitals continuously confront a multitude of challenges that threaten their ability to ensure local access to care.

Connecting Care with Community May 22, 2019

Population health is a term that is used widely, but often not defined. In this podcast, Nancy Myers, AHA’s Vice President of Leadership and System Innovation, talks about how AHA is framing its population health work to support the field.

A Partnership to Reduce Patient Readmission May 15, 2019

After being discharged from the hospital, some patients with complex social and medical needs return repeatedly to the emergency department. Today we hear from a critical access hospital in Oregon and its innovative partnership with its ambulance service. Chief administration officer (CAO) Jason Hawkins from PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence, Oregon and Chris Martin, critical care paramedic for the Western Lane Ambulance District discuss their partnership to address barriers to recovery.

CDC Leader Discusses Collaborations to Improve Maternal Health May 08, 2019

Improving maternal safety and outcomes in the US is a top priority. While we have seen some success in improving outcomes, we must continue to pursue advancements in maternal care. We means hospitals, health systems, clinicians, and community partners – all supporting mothers and doing more to improve their care. In this Advancing Health podcast, Jay Bhatt, senior vice president and chief medical officer for the American Hospital Association speaks with Rear Admiral Wanda Barfield, the director of the division of reproductive health for the CDC.

How Clinical and Community Collaboratives Innovate May 08, 2019

In the third and final installation of the Healthy, Equitable and Resilient Communities podcast series, we feature Saint Anthony Hospital’s Collaborative for Community Wellness, a Chicago-based collaborative comprised of 22 community-based organizations. We speak with Dr. Arturo Carillo, the mental health and family support manager of Saint Anthony Hospital and Patrick Brosnan, executive director of Brighton Park Neighborhood Council.

Presbyterian Healthcare Services engages in partnerships to address substance use disorders May 01, 2019

At Presbyterian – a not-for-profit integrated health system with nine hospitals, a medical group and a health plan in New Mexico – their Integrated Substance Use Disorder and Community Collaborative Initiative is designed to strengthen improve outcomes for patients, families and members affected by substance use disorders through a holistic approach. Dr. Daniel Duhigg, medical director for addiction services at Presybyterian Healthcare Services discusses their methods in this Advancing Health podcast.

Reb Close, M.D. - Prescribe Safe Initiatives May 01, 2019

The Prescribe Safe Initiative is an extremely successful community-based project bringing together law enforcement, hospitals and physicians to reduce prescription medication misuse. The American Hospital Association and the AHA Physician Alliance sought to provide members with a deeper dive on key elements driving the success of Prescribe Safe through three podcasts that explore: • Securing funding and support, • Working collaboratively with a wide variety of partners; and • Leveraging complementary and alternative medicine to reduce the use of opioids in the management of pain. For additional information and resources on how hospitals and health systems are impacting the opioid epidemic go to: www.aha.org/opoiods

Kevin Causey - Prescribe Safe Initiative May 01, 2019

The Prescribe Safe Initiative is an extremely successful community-based project bringing together law enforcement, hospitals and physicians to reduce prescription medication misuse. The American Hospital Association and the AHA Physician Alliance sought to provide members with a deeper dive on key elements driving the success of Prescribe Safe through three podcasts that explore: • Securing funding and support, • Working collaboratively with a wide variety of partners; and • Leveraging complementary and alternative medicine to reduce the use of opioids in the management of pain. For additional information and resources on how hospitals and health systems are impacting the opioid epidemic go to: www.aha.org/opoiods

Casey Grover, M.D. - Prescribe Safe Initiative May 01, 2019

The Prescribe Safe Initiative is an extremely successful community-based project bringing together law enforcement, hospitals and physicians to reduce prescription medication misuse. The American Hospital Association and the AHA Physician Alliance sought to provide members with a deeper dive on key elements driving the success of Prescribe Safe through three podcasts that explore: • Securing funding and support, • Working collaboratively with a wide variety of partners; and • Leveraging complementary and alternative medicine to reduce the use of opioids in the management of pain. For additional information and resources on how hospitals and health systems are impacting the opioid epidemic go to: www.aha.org/opoiods

Innovation Challenge: Peer Support Makes the Difference in Treating Opioid Use Disorder Apr 24, 2019

Parkview Regional Medical Center & Affiliates of Ft. Wayne, Ind., came in first in AHA’s 2018 Innovation Challenge with bold new thinking about the best way to treat opioid use disorder patients. Its model features peer coaching via a mobile app that is designed to support patients anywhere and in the moment. In this podcast, AHA’s Dr. Jay Bhatt speaks with Parkview Regional Medical Center & Affiliates president Ben Miles about his organization’s approach - and why peer support and encouragement can be such an effective tool in the battle against addiction. Sponsored in part by First American Healthcare Finance, the AHA’s Innovation Challenge is a juried award program to source and spread new ideas and novel approaches for integrated care delivery.

How Health Disparities Data Informs Change Apr 17, 2019

The second installation of the Healthy, Equitable, and Resilient Communities podcast series — which highlights member hospitals and UnidsoUS affiliates working together to address disparities, violence and trauma — is now available. Dr. Arturo Carillo, mental health and family support manager, St. Anthony Hospital’s Community Wellness Program and Patrick Brosnan, executive director, Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, provide learnings and key insights on the importance of driving policy changes in Chicago through their research on mental health care access.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center: New Approaches to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Apr 17, 2019

In the United States, one infant is born every 15 minutes with withdrawal symptoms after being exposed to opioids before birth -- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) -- according to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics. Typically, affected neonates must remain hospitalized, usually in neonatal intensive care units, for monitoring and management of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Hospital length of stay (LOS) for these neonates averages 17-23 days. In this podcast featuring Dr. Stephen Patrick, an attending neonatologist at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Director of the Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy, discusses how he’s improving outcomes for opioid-exposed infants and women with substance-use disorders and reduced NAS infant’s LOS.

Using Predictive Analytics to Maximize Nurse Staffing Apr 03, 2019

To improve staffing capacity, Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, TX, uses predictive analytics. Hear how the system creates value through higher patient experience scores, lower labor costs, less overtime and higher nurse satisfaction scores.

Disrupting the High Price of Generic Drugs Apr 03, 2019

Civica Rx is the brainchild of hospitals and health systems that formed a collaborative to hold down the spiraling costs of essential generic drugs. How is the plan working out? Civica Rx President and CEO Martin VanTrieste shares an update on the organization’s efforts on a new AHA Advancing Health podcast.

Dawn Sears, M.D. - WEL Podcast Series Mar 24, 2019

Dawn Sears is chair, gastroenterology, Baylor Scott & White Health – Temple TX. The WEL Podcast series of AHA Physician Alliance highlights participants from the Women’s Wellness through Equity and Leadership (WEL) Grant Program, a program that addresses wellness and leadership needs for women physician leaders supported by the AHA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and American Psychological Association.

Heather Farley, M.D., MHCDS, FACEP - WEL Podcast Series Mar 24, 2019

Heather Farley is chief wellness officer at Christina Care. The WEL Podcast series by the AHA Physician Alliance highlights participants from the Women’s Wellness through Equity and Leadership (WEL) Grant Program, a program that addresses wellness and leadership needs for women physician leaders supported by the AHA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and American Psychological Association.

Amy Ahasic, M.D. - WEL Podcast Series Mar 24, 2019

Amy Ahasic is a critical care physician and section chief for pulmonary and critical care medicine at Norwalk Hospital WEL Podcast series by the AHA Physician Alliance highlights participants from the Women’s Wellness through Equity and Leadership (WEL) Grant Program, a program that addresses wellness and leadership needs for women physician leaders supported by the AHA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and American Psychological Association.

Janine L. Adjo, M.D., FAAP - WEL Podcast Series Mar 23, 2019

Janine Adjo is vice chairman, Department of Pediatrics for SBH Health System. The WEL podcast series by the AHA Physician Alliance highlights participants from the Women’s Wellness through Equity and Leadership (WEL) Grant Program, a program that addresses wellness and leadership needs for women physician leaders supported by the AHA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and American Psychological Association.

Breaking Down Mental Health: Disparities in Access to Mental Health Mar 21, 2019

This podcast features Saint Anthony Hospital’s Dr. Arturo Carrillo, manager of the community wellness program and Patrick Brosnan, executive director of Brighton Park Neighborhood Council to discuss the work of the Collaborative for Community Wellness and how this work is advancing the health of communities. The Collaborative for Community Wellness highlights disparities in mental health service access among the predominantly high economic hardship community areas on Chicago’s Southwest side.

Thriving in a VUCA World Mar 13, 2019

The constant change hitting health care from all sides means that our field now qualifies for a term that’s traditionally been used exclusively in academic and business circles: VUCA, short for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. In this podcast, Andy Shin, Chief Operating Officer of the AHA’s Center for Health Innovation talks with Greg Bunch, Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, about VUCA in health care, and how a culture of innovation can be the key to success. Their conversations serves as a preview to an upcoming one-day course on Building a Culture of Innovation being offered by the AHA in Chicago this spring.

Chairman's File: Embracing the Changing Healthcare Landscape Mar 11, 2019

At SXSW 2019, AHA Board Chairman Brian Gragnolati participated in a discussion about embracing patient-centered, value-focused healthcare sponsored by AHA's The Value Initiative and Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin.

Chairman’s File: Making Health Care More Affordable Jan 28, 2019

Health care affordability is a key issue for consumers, hospitals and health systems. While health care leaders have been tackling the issue head on – redesigning care and implementing operational efficiencies – solving this complex challenge will require us all to think differently and more collaboratively. On this inaugural podcast on Advancing Health, the AHA’s new podcast channel, you’ll hear highlights from AHA Chair Brian Gragnolati's recent discussion of affordability and value with Maryjane Wurth, AHA executive vice president, and Priya Bathija, vice president of The AHA Value Initiative.

Discussing the Center for Health Innovation with Lindsey Burghstahler Jan 02, 2019

Tom Haderle discusses the Center for Health Innovation and its new Market Insights series with Lindsey Burghstahler, the Center's vice president of programming and intelligence.

Five Questions with Priya Bathija Dec 11, 2018

AHA's Tom Haederle sits down with Priya Bathija, vice president of The AHA Value Initiative, to discuss the first year of the Initiative and plans for its future.

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