Perspective

Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association, standing in front of the AHA seal and a United States flag.

Perspective is a weekly blog from Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association, that explores the most important issues facing hospitals and health systems.

“Hospitals and health systems come in all shapes and sizes, but at the end of the day, you’re providing care to people.
Hospitals and health systems have a special role to play in helping to realize Dr. King’s dream of a truly just society.
The convening of the 118th Congress this week is a reminder of Washington’s highly-charged political environment.
Despite unprecedented challenges this year, hospitals and health systems can be proud of the job they do each and every day to care for our families, our friends and our neighbors.
Challenges. Resilience. Innovation. Opportunities. These four words help describe the current environment facing our hospitals and health systems — nearly three years into a pandemic that has transformed the nation’s health care landscape and our society.
As Congress convenes for its post-election lame-duck session, we are turning up the pressure to secure additional support for hospitals and the patients and communities they serve. We need to put on a full-court press — and that includes all of us reaching out to our senators and representatives —…
For more than 400 years, we have paused each fall to give thanks. We do so during good times and bad because most years bring a mixture of both. This year, our world, our nation and our field face many difficult challenges. But that’s why it’s so important that we take the time to express our…
The news is filled daily with accounts of conflict around the globe … notably Russia’s war against Ukraine, but other potential clashes bubble near the surface, such as military action by China against Taiwan, or a North Korean missile aimed at Japan. We cannot know for sure what this unsettled…
After Election Day, lawmakers will return to Washington to consider many important issues, including funding the government, the annual must-pass defense bill, hurricane aid, election reform and tax extenders.