Celebrate Hospitals and Health Care Workers this July 4

As part of our continued efforts to tell the positive hospital story, the AHA has signed on to be a sponsor of this year’s “A Capitol Fourth” concert. In its 43rd year, this legendary — and longest running live national July 4 tradition — remains the nation’s premier Independence Day celebration.

On a day when we are celebrating America and what we cherish about this nation, AHA will be embracing this spirit to remind everyone of the significant contributions of hospitals, health systems and health care workers to create healthy and vibrant communities, and that it is patriotic to pause and honor health care workers on this important day.

As part of this sponsorship, AHA in partnership with PBS, will air a 30-second television spot at the top and bottom of the concert broadcast. We also will highlight the stories of health care workers and their contributions via digital media throughout the programming. AHA as well as local caregivers will be on site in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the star-studded lineup for this year’s concert, which includes AHA member Northwell Health’s nurse choir.

This year’s concert will air on approximately 340 PBS member stations covering over 180 markets across the United States, and on the show’s YouTube page. The concert is simulcast nationwide on NPR, and broadcast on the American Forces Network to military members stationed or serving overseas.

Join us to celebrate, honor and reflect on the many contributions of our hospitals and health systems this holiday. There are many ways to get involved.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Host a watch party. AHA invites hospitals and health systems to create a fun atmosphere for their patients and staff to watch this important event together. Share details about your watch party with the AHA to help us track how many people are engaging across the country to mark this important milestone honoring health care workers and help us recognize you for your great work. AHA will support watch parties across the country with online amplification and engagement.
   
  • Invite local lawmakers. Now more than ever we need to ensure that lawmakers in Washington and in your community are aware of the significant impact your hospital is making in the community. Consider including them in your watch party.
     
  • Invite local media. If your hospital is hosting a watch party, invite local media to attend and cover the event as part of their already planned Independence Day coverage. This not only supports their coverage but helps bring attention to the contributions of health care workers within your community.
     
• Engage with AHA on social media and incorporate promotion for the concert honoring health care workers this July 4. In addition, as you post your own content, please use the hashtag #WeAreHealthCare and consider tagging the AHA (@ahahospitals) to send a collective message about the work the field does on behalf of patients and communities.
   
• Share your stories with AHA. Please provide the AHA with news articles, photos, videos, and other testimonials of your organization’s involvement in this event so AHA can spotlight the wide array of work your team members have been engaged in to honor health care workers this holiday. You can share your examples through our webpage www.aha.org/roleofhospitals.

FURTHER QUESTIONS

If you have questions, please contact AHA at 800-424-4301.