Saia wins award for state, federal efforts

The American Hospital Association, in partnership with the Kansas Hospital Association, awarded Carrie Saia, CEO of Holton Community Hospital, with the American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award. 

As the 2016 Grassroots Champion from Kansas, Saia was recognized for her exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of her hospital’s mission. AHA awards one individual from each state who is especially effective in federal advocacy.

The 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 who are tireless advocates for hospitals and their patients.

On both the state and federal level, Saia has earned the respect and reputation of being one of Kansas’ most effective advocates for hospitals. On federal issues, she is on the front line. She has a keen sense of what is important and how to communicate an effective advocacy message.

The American Hospital Association is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. 

AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends.

The Kansas Hospital Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization existing to be the leading advocate and resource for members. KHA membership includes 210 member facilities, of which 126 are full-service, community hospitals. Founded in 1910, KHA’s vision is “Optimal Health for Kansans.”