WHA Presents Fort HealthCare With 2018 Advocacy All-Star Award

Fort HealthCare received the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s (WHA) 2018 Advocacy All-Star Award at the Association’s annual Advocacy Day held in Madison on March 21.

Mike Wallace, President/CEO of Fort HealthCare accepted the award before more than 1,000 hospital supporters participating in the day’s activities. WHA recognizes one hospital or health care system each year that exemplifies dedication to grassroots advocacy.

“We are active because it works,” Wallace said. “Public policy has a tremendous impact on our ability to provide high-quality health care, and if we are not engaged in the process, we are left behind. Through our efforts, we have learned lawmakers want to hear from us and welcome feedback on how particular issues affect the industry.”

Wallace adds, “We are honored to accept this award, and proud to work alongside, in collaboration with, all Wisconsin hospitals in this effort.”

In presenting the award, WHA President/CEO Eric Borgerding said Fort HealthCare is an exemplary advocate on health care issues, both Federal and state. In his remarks, Borgerding highlighted Fort HealthCare’s engagement with the Wisconsin Congressional delegation during the debate over Obamacare and their meetings with state legislators in successfully opposing a medical fee schedule in Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation program.

Borgerding also noted Wallace’s record of service with the WHA, including chairing the organization’s Council on Public Policy and its Council on Advocacy, as well as serving as Chair of the WHA Board of Directors in 2016.

“In Washington and Madison,” Borgerding continues, “Fort HealthCare has been a voice not just for their hospital, but for all Wisconsin hospitals. They have been an advocate an ally in every possible way – an example of a leader in every possible sense.”

The WHA’s annual Advocacy Day event draws over 1,000 hospital advocates from across the state each year to Madison. The event is designed to educate and motivate health care employees, trustees, and volunteers on important health care-related issues and to encourage grassroots advocacy opportunities. Featured speakers give timely insight to state and Federal health care issues, and participating in legislative visits allows attendees to speak up on behalf of their hospitals.

Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life, while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long term basis. For more information, visit FortHealthCare.com.

WHA President /CEO Eric Borgerding (left) presents the WHA Advocacy All-Star Award to Mike Wallace, President/CEO of Fort HealthCare at the 2018 WHA Advocacy Day.

The 2018 Health Care Advocate of the Year Award presented to State Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), former Fort HealthCare Board Member. Bob Van Meeteren, WHA Board Chair (right) and Mike Wallace, past WHA Board Chair (left), present this year’s award to Marklein (center) in recognition of his partnership with WHA in supporting issues that enable the delivery of high-quality, high-value health care in Wisconsin. View full WHA article at wha.org.