HOUSTON, May 18, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with the Texas Hospital Association has awarded Dan Wolterman, CEO, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, with the Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award. As a 2007 Grassroots Champion, Wolterman is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of a hospital's mission.
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The Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award was created to recognize those hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital's vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital, and is a tireless advocate for the hospital and its patients.
"Your leadership and dedication to promoting the mission of hospitals has added a strong voice on a local and national level," said Rich Umbdenstock, president, American Hospital Association. "The compassion and hard work you have demonstrated has made a difference for your patients and your community and has earned you this special recognition."
Wolterman has taken a high-profile role as an advocate for Texas hospital sand their top priority issue: Reducing the number of uninsured Texans. He has spoken out on the tremendous impact the growing uninsured population has on providers and the business community. He carried this message to the national press corps, important business leaders in the Houston area, editorial boards, and legislators to advocate for solutions to get more Texans covered.
As chair of the Texas Hospital Association Board of Trustees, Wolterman has worked to strengthen the coalition of hospital organizations in Texas and create alliances with a variety of stakeholders. His leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in raising the profile of the uninsured issue and building momentum at both the state and national levels for meaningful action.
The award is presented annually to one individual from each state. Winners are chosen by the state association and recognized at a special Breakfast of Grassroots Champions at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting. Wolterman is one of 50 individuals honored this year.
About the AHA
The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 37,000 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. For more information, visit the AHA Web site at www.aha.org.
About the Memorial Hermann System
An integrated health system, Memorial Hermann is known for world-class clinical expertise, patient-centered care, leading edge technology, and innovation. The system, with its exceptional medical staff and 19,000 employees, serves southeast Texas and the greater Houston community. Memorial Hermann's 16 hospitals include three hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, two long-term care facilities, three heart institute locations and eight suburban hospitals. The system also operates cancer, imaging, sports medicine and rehabilitation, and surgery centers, outpatient laboratory services, a chemical dependency treatment center, a home health agency, a wellness center, retirement community and a nursing home. Memorial Hermann is the official healthcare provider for the Houston Rockets, Comets and Aeros, Rice University and the University of Houston. To learn more, visit www.memorialhermann.org or call 713-222-CARE.
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