Press Release

AHA Statement on Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Nancy-Ann DeParle for Health Posts

Contact:
Matthew Fenwick - (312) 422-2820
Alicia Mitchell - (202) 626-2339

Washington D.C.

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Rich Umbdenstock
President and CEO, American Hospital Association

March 2, 2009

The American Hospital Association applauds President Obama's choice of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of the Department of Health & Human Services and Nancy-Ann DeParle as counselor to the president and director of the White House Office for Health Reform.   

Gov. Sebelius brings a proven record of bipartisanship to her new role.  As governor, she has firsthand experience running the Medicaid program and worked closely with Kansas hospitals to understand the needs and challenges of providing health care. Also as state insurance commissioner, her understanding of the complexities of our insurance system will serve our nation well.  Gov. Sebelius has the right mix of experience and leadership to help build a consensus for change. 

We also look forward to working with DeParle who brings a wealth of experience as former commissioner of the Department of Human Services in Tennessee and from her management of Medicare and Medicaid under the Clinton administration.  Her deep understanding of both policy and politics will help drive needed reform in health care. 

With so many Americans without health coverage, now is the time to make health reform a reality.  Our nation's hospitals stand ready to work with Gov. Sebelius and DeParle to advance better health and health care in America.

About AHA

The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes more than 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, and 38,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends.