The North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) has launched a multi-year initiative to create conversations about how the state’s hospitals and health systems can improve healthcare and illustrate how healthcare providers are building the future of healthcare in our state.
The effort, titled “It Takes a Hospital,” will bring together hospitals and health systems with the communities they serve through regional virtual town hall events during 2020 and 2021. The virtual events, which are free to the public, will spark conversations and create connections between residents and hospital leaders on a range of healthcare topics. Town halls are currently scheduled for the Piedmont Triad (Sept. 22), Triangle (Oct. 27) and Charlotte regions (Dec. 1), with the intent to continue these important conversations every two months in 2021. Planning is underway for more virtual events statewide. Event information and registration is available at NCHealthcare.org.
“People who work in and with hospitals and health systems are devoted to their patients and communities. While there are sometimes challenges to delivering an optimal patient experience, that’s where this initiative comes in, NCHA President & CEO Steve Lawler said. “It will spur conversations so we can better understand what patients and the public experience as obstacles to care, so we can seek solutions together.”
Discussion topics include expanding access to affordable, high-quality care and improving health equity. Conversations will also reflect the pandemic’s impact on healthcare delivery along with the promising healthcare innovations that aim to improve the patient experience and deliver value to communities.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of being a healthcare provider is the relationships we build with our patients, their families and the communities we serve,” said Donald Gintzig, NCHA Board of Trustees Chairman and president & CEO of WakeMed Health & Hospitals. “While the pandemic has brought new elements to care delivery, it has reinforced just how meaningful these connections are as we continue to meet every challenge together. We look forward to starting new conversations, making new connections and creating healthier communities as we look toward the future of health and healthcare in our great state.”
In addition to virtual town halls, the “It Takes a Hospital” initiative includes a new website and social media outreach where healthcare providers will share their stories and engage with residents of North Carolina to spark more open dialogue and improve the health and well-being of communities in all 100 counties.
About North Carolina Healthcare Association
Founded in 1918, the North Carolina Healthcare Association is the united voice of the North Carolina healthcare community. Representing more than 130 hospitals, health systems, physician groups and other healthcare organizations, the NCHA works with its members to improve the health of North Carolina communities by advocating for sound public policies and collaborative partnerships and by providing insights, services, support and education to expand access to high-quality, efficient, affordable and integrated healthcare for all North Carolinians.
CONTACT
Cynthia Charles
North Carolina Healthcare Association
ccharles@ncha.org; O: 919-677-4223; C: 336-816-4939
