MHA’s advocacy program strives to provide effective leadership and direction to protect Mississippi hospitals. The past year was no exception.

Our greatest challenge was to rise above political tension (in a very tense session) and focus on hospital advocacy and grassroots outreach, without getting caught in the middle of contentious issues. MHA worked with legislators, health care advocates and, most importantly, hospital employees to address critical health care concerns.

The year contained many challenges, but MHA and its member hospitals accomplished significant advocacy goals through unity and a cohesive voice. For the full 2009 legislative report, click here.

Before the legislative session, MHA surveyed members to pinpoint the most important priorities to address. MHA's Legislative Committee used the result, along with comments from our last membership survey, to develop our legislative strategy. Membership involvement, communication and grassroots efforts were identified as crucial components for a successful advocacy program.

In addition to our state activites, MHA and our member hospitals were very involved in federal legislative issues this past year. The economic recession and proposed health care reform measures generated even broader challenges for Mississippi’s hospitals. MHA worked in conjunction with the American Hospital Association on important legislative and regulatory initiatives. MHA worked to keep our members informed through the MHA web site, member bulletins and involvement in AHA meetings. MHA and our members attended AHA's Advocacy Day in April and met with our Congressional delegation on health care reform, economic issues and proposed card check regulations.

Advocacy and communications weren't the only ways we provided a voice on state and federal legislation. The MHAPAC continues to be an essential way to support elected officials who work to protect hospitals.