The American Hospital Association

The American Hospital Association (AHA) was created in 1898 to represent hospitals, health care centers, and patients across the United States. It is a national organization that addresses health policy development, legislative and regulatory debates, and judicial matters.

When I came across this organization, I was enthralled by the similarity between their vision and mine. Although I am approaching a national medical society from a creative side, both of our goals are to improve the health and atmospheres of hospitals. The AHA's mission statement reads:

"Our mission is to advance the health of individuals and communities. The AHA leads, represents and serves hospitals, health systems and other related organizations that are accountable to the community and committed to health improvement."

I would also like to "advance the health of individuals and communities" by revamping the inside aesthetics and workings of these infrastructures. If I could create a partnership with the AHA while communicating with each hospital's executive officials, my message and work would surely be acted upon.

In 1937, the AHA created the Blue Cross; and in 1951 they established the Commission on Financing of Hospital Services which resulted in the Medicare legislation in 1965. The most significant accomplishments of the AHA have been the establishment of the House of Delegates in 1938, the regional advisory boards in 1968, the constituency sections in 1983, and the restructuring of the process in 1987.

The AHA has state, regional, and metropolitan hospital associations with an interactive map that, when clicked on, gives contact information of each executive.

View Map

Rich Umbdenstock is the president and CEO of the entire AHA; however Bill Welch is the lead executive of the Nevada Hospital Association. Since my efforts will begin in my home state, I will contact Mr. Welch first.

With headquarters in Chicago and Washington D.C., this organization has made great strides throughout history. Their assistance will surely turn my vision into a reality.

To learn more about the AHA, click here.