Press Release

AHA Statement on the Passing of Senator Ted Kennedy

Contact:
Elizabeth Lietz - (202) 626-2284
Alicia Mitchell - (202) 626-2339

Washington D.C.

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Rich Umbdenstock
President and CEO, American Hospital Association

August 26, 2009

Senator Ted Kennedy's respected leadership has impacted many of the great debates of our times.  He was always moving forward, with a profound belief that by working together, we could solve challenges both large and small that confront our nation. 

But nowhere has he had more of an impact than on efforts to improve our nation's health care system.  A friend to hospitals, patients and communities in Massachusetts and across the country, Senator Kennedy fought to improve health care and expand access and coverage for all.  Today, we are on the path to reforming our health care system due in large part to his efforts as a United States senator. 

Despite a devastating illness, Senator Kennedy continued to fight for health care reform.   His extensive knowledge of the health care system and the inner workings of Congress, and his ability to build consensus will be greatly missed as discussions continue on how to best improve health care.  Our hope is that our country will continue Senator Kennedy's important work and reach the goal of coverage for all. 

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.