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Get the latest information about the work of the Coalition, and the hospitals, caregivers, and patients we fight to protect.
Standing Together to Support Patient Care
Our Coalition is a strong force for America’s patient care. Our 2016 year in review:
How Music Unlocks Hidden Memories in Alzheimer’s Patients
There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But with music, there is hope.
Surviving Breast Cancer: My Story
In July of 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now I’m sharing my story of strength and hope for others with the shocking diagnosis.
Vickie Bessey MSN, RN
Though the community she serves is small, the impact Nurse Vickie Bessey makes is big — from helping patients during a devastating flood to mentoring new nurses in the hospital.
Bringing Cutting-Edge Care Closer to Home
A new minimally-invasive procedure is helping patients with back pain in rural Alabama.
Melissa Sexton, CCLS, CMT
Kids in the hospital are going through a difficult time, and it’s Melissa’s job to give them memorable experiences.
Tapan Padhya, MD
Dr. Padhya is motivated by his personal relationships with his patients — he’s not just their doctor, but their partner.
Hospitals Get Creative to Help Kids Manage Cancer
From pet pen-pals to play therapy, hospitals are making sure that children with cancer don’t miss out on having a fun childhood.
50+ Reasons to Protect Patient Care
Through the years, we’ve gathered your stories about all the amazing things Hospital Heroes have done — from delivering our babies, to keeping us healthy, and saving our lives. Despite this essential patient care, Congress continues to cut hospital funding — which has already been cut by $158.1 billion since 2010.
Gail Brottman, MD
Dr. Brottman works in and out of the hospital to help parents manage their kids’ asthma and keep her community healthy.
Alice Farrell, MSN, RN, CEN
Whether saving a man with sepsis or focusing on the emotional side of medicine, Chief Nursing Officer Alice Farrell always leads her team to higher levels of excellence.
The Power of Pet Therapy: Healing Mind, Body, and Spirit
For one hospital CEO, allowing animals to interact with patients is a no-brainer.
Advice that Inspires NICU Family: “Just Keep Swimming”
Tiny Francis’ parents never gave up during 118 days in the NICU. Watch their story.
Hospital Heroes Make a Lasting Impact on New Parents
NICU moms, so touched by their Hospital Heroes’ care, decided to become nurses, too.
The Congressional Summer To-Do List
While our members of Congress are at home, we want to make sure that supporting hospitals and patient care remains top-of-mind.
Digital Technology is Changing Patient Care
From tablets, to apps, to the way medical information is recorded, the technology boom is changing how hospitals interact with and treat patients.
The Right Care, at the Right Time, in the Right Place
Explore the innovative ways hospitals and caregivers are responding to patients’ evolving needs.
The da Vinci Robot: The Art of Surgery
The da Vinci robot is the cutting-edge of medical technology, offering smaller incisions, fewer complications, and faster recovery times.
How Hospitals Help Patients Recover Faster After Surgery
Many of the unpleasant things about how to prepare and recover from surgery are changing. Here’s how hospitals are helping patients get back to their daily lives faster.
Don Klusmann
Don Klusmann, known as the Baby Whisperer, has devoted nearly 20 years of his life to volunteering at hospitals. He comforts the tiny babies in the NICU, providing peace of mind to nurses and patients alike.
How Hospitals Keep Patients Out of the Emergency Room
Innovative mobile health programs bring free care right to where people live and work, helping to detect health conditions before they become serious.
Beth Davenport, RN
“A hero is someone that people want to be like. That’s exactly what Beth is,” her colleagues say. Beth goes beyond the four walls of the hospital to bring free health screenings to medically underserved communities. She is a true leader who is passionate about helping her patients change their lives and get healthier.
Dr. Jo Hannafin, M.D., Ph.D
Dr. Hannafin is a Hospital Hero, not just for conducting cutting-edge research and being one of the top doctors in the country, but also for being a trailblazer for women in medicine.
Dr. Vicki Macy, MD
Dr. Vicki Macy is ahead of her time. She’s the first woman to complete the OB-GYN residency at the University of Utah, and one of the first female OB-GYNs in the state of Utah. As a pioneer for women in medicine, she’s delivered more than 9,000 babies, including multiple generations in several families. We spoke with her recently to learn how she got there and what motivated her along the way.
Taking the Pain Out of Shots
A routine vaccination turned into a lifelong mission for Dr. Amy Baxter. Now, she’s created an innovative device to reduce the pain of shots and injections.
Leading the Way on Wellness in Tennessee
For too many years, the people of Tennessee have had failing health grades. How can they turn this around? Read about the Healthier Tennessee initiative, which strives to increase physical activity, promote a healthy diet, and reduce the number of people who use tobacco.
Update: A Unique Perspective on Nursing
When her daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, Mary never expected to find a new career path. After witnessing the dedication of the Hospital Heroes caring for her daughter, she was inspired to join the medical profession herself. We sat down with Mary to learn more about her journey to a nursing career and how her daughter's caregivers changed her life.
When Disaster Strikes: Part 1
In 2011, the town of Joplin, Missouri was devastated by an F5 tornado the strongest imaginable. The storm destroyed St. John's/Mercy Hospital, and devastated the community. The need to keep hospitals strong was made abundantly clear as hospital workers from St. John's/Mercy and nearby Freeman Hospital helped their community in the wake of the tornado—on a day they were needed most.
When Disaster Strikes: Part 2
How does a hospital recover after a direct hit from an F5 tornado? Watch Part 2 of our When Disaster Strikes series, where we travel to Moore, Oklahoma to find out.
Providing care in rural America
58 million Americans live in rural communities. Take a look at the important role hospitals play as health care providers and economic drivers in rural America.
Stories from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Claire Panke is a neonatal nurse at Lenox Hill Hospital, part of North Shore-LIJ Health System. Watch how Claire and her colleagues care for some of the hospital's most vulnerable patients, from birth to discharge.
Meet Brenda and Wanda
Hospitals have been hit with $158.1 billion in federal funding cuts since 2010. Every dollar cut has a real impact on real people. Cuts make it harder for hospital heroes like Brenda to care for patients and serve their communities, while patients like Wanda—who so deeply rely on the help of their caregivers—might wait longer for care in their times of need.
6 Things You Should Know About the Flu
Every year millions of people get the flu, and hundreds of thousands are hospitalized. Here are six.
5 Things You Know If You Work at a Hospital During the Holidays
Working through the holidays might not be glamorous—but your patients and their families appreciate you more than you realize. By keeping the traditions and the magic of the holidays alive, you make the hospital feel more like home for them.
Sarah Crowell
Nurse Sarah Crowell truly means it when she tells cancer patients at the Derrick L. Davis Cancer Center she knows what they are going through. At age 13 she was diagnosed with leukemia, and given a 20% chance to live. Then, just two years ago she was diagnosed with cancer again—breast cancer. For beating cancer once, and fighting it again, she is a hero. For using these battles to fuel her passion for patient care, she is a Hospital Hero.
Mallory Marconi
Mallory Marconi’s journey to becoming a Hospital Hero started at the exact same place she was born — Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
Dr. Justin Bright
“Dr. Bright and the ER team are great, and I recommend them to anyone in the neighborhood in medical distress.”
Roger Sandhorst
Through snowstorms, power outages, broken pipes, and more, Roger lead his team and made it possible for medical staff to provide the highest quality care for patients.
Dan Paulsen
Colleagues remember Dan for his courage, and for his dedication to the job he loved.
Nikki Herron
Nikki is a friendly, compassionate, and helpful Hospital Hero for everyone she meets through the Nurse on Call Program.
Dr. Margaret Vining
While providing end-of-life care for patients, a unique combination of empathy and patient trust sets Dr. Vining apart.
Maria Batick
As the unit’s Business Associate, Maria makes it her mission to provide comfort and stress relief for patients and their families.
University of Iowa Lung Transplant Team
John E. submitted Julia Klesney-Tait, Abigail Mack, and Kalpaj Parekh of the University of Iowa as Hospital Heroes because, in his words, “They are a team driven by one singular purpose: the highest quality of patient care.” Watch this video to learn exactly what he means.
Andrew Schamess
In just two years, the OSU Health at Home program Dr. Schamess helped launch has reduced hospitalizations and ER visits among his patients by nearly 50%.
Coney Island Wound Care Team
A group of nurses and surgical technicians formed a special team dedicated to preventing pressure ulcers among their patients.
Andi Kubota
Mahealani R. tells us, “Andi inspires stewardship and service in us all, and is an example for all leadership to follow.” Her commitment to care goes beyond her formal duties of leading staff. From mentoring, to volunteering, to starting overnight camps to help myelodysplasia and arthritis patients better understand their conditions, Andi dedicates herself to patient health and wellbeing with all her heart. Thank you, Andi!
Joe Currier
When Dr. Currier heard about Rosalia, a young Bolivian girl who’d been savagely attacked by dogs, he sprang to action. A true Hospital Hero, he worked to transport Rosalia and her father to Boston Children’s hospital, and hosted them in his home as she recovered.
Zenko Hrynkiw
Walking miles in a raging snowstorm, helping motorists along the road, THEN performing life-saving brain surgery—all in a day's work for this Hospital Hero.
Mary Visceglia
From biopsy, to diagnosis, surgery, remission, and everything in between, Mary — or “our Mary” as her patients call her—is a constant, caring presence.
Jennifer Archer
Scott M. submitted Jennifer as a Hospital Hero because, in his words, she is a “patient advocate who treats every patient [as] though they are a member of her immediate family.” From the mundane to the memorable, Jennifer’s actions have touched and changed the lives of so many patients for the better.
Aaron Woodson
Aaron provides impressive professionalism and friendly care to all patients.
Joann Hain
Joann exemplifies the special impact Hospital Heroes can have on their patients every day.
Lynn Bell
Lynn works behind the scenes to improve communication with patients and among peers.
Twinkle Schottke
For a population of women who may often feel forgotten, Twinkle lets each mom know she is important and loved.
Mary Nash
With more than 40 years in nursing, Mary now dedicates herself to educating the next generation of nurses.
Bryan Coffey
Bryan is leading his hospital toward a brighter future for staff and patients alike.
Memorial Hospital Committee and Staff
Hospital staff raised more than $500,000 to help build a new facility for their patients.
Kenneth Mullen
From working to build relationships, to volunteering, to establishing medical protocols for local homeless shelters, Kenneth is going above and beyond at the hospital his father founded.
Atundra Horne
Atundra makes house calls to help community members recovering from injuries and illnesses.
Scott Payne
Dawn P. couldn’t say enough great things about her radiology nurse, Scott.
Sheila Saunders
Sheila is a role model for her peers. She treats every patient like family.
Peg Scheidt
Peg seeks to ease the burden of each person she comes in contact with, regardless of their faith.
Dr. Trey Kirby
After serving in the military for 14 years, Dr. Kirby now serves at River Park hospitals, where his dedication makes a lasting impression on all.
Latise Jones
After an F3 tornado hit her community, Latise sprang into action to help a fellow nurse whose husband had been injured in the storm.
Mary Dillman
Having a family member undergo an operation can be scary. That's why Mary's warm welcomes and dedication to keeping families updated on progress are so critical to her hospital. And we love her favorite saying, "If you want a smile, come see me."
Meredith Hartzog
Meredith goes well beyond the call of duty by inspiring and encouraging all nurses and staff.
Kevin O’Brien
After losing his wife to cancer in 2009, Kevin gained a unique understanding of what patients and families experience when they come to Smilow. So he volunteers his time now to help them.
Donald Seyfried & Laura Massie
When a ruptured disc left Sindhura's right arm partially paralyzed—and put the start of her career in medicine at risk—Dr. Seyfriend and Laura took ownership of her as a patient, and helped her get back to work.
Dr. David Horst
When you work with newborns, the best moments are always the simple ones.
Harold Oglesby
Role model, innovator, motivator, wonderful person: these are just a few of the ways those who work alongside Harold describe him. From his compassionate approach to patient care, to his volunteerism around the world, Harold exemplifies what being a Hospital Hero means!
Daphne Brewington, PhD, RN
Daphne uses her vast knowledge and wisdom to mentor fellow staff, act as a preceptor for nursing graduate students, and to help her hospital receive special designation.
Dr. Jonathan Pellett
“Gifted Hawaii surgeon, patient advocate, humanitarian, dedicated father of 4, avid surfer, and friend.” These are just a few of the words used to describe Dr. Pellett
Domenico Cifarelli
Originally from Italy, Domenico uses the power of song to sooth patients.
Bryan Sinnott
Bryan Sinnott spends his days fitting and fabricating prosthetics that allow kids to walk and run.
Chambersburg Hospital Nurses
When an unexpected ailment prevented a high-schooler from attending her prom, the nurses at Chambersberg Hospital banded together to create a night she'd never forget
Dr. Lon Butikofer
Dr. Butikofer, one of the first male orderlies in N.E. Iowa, has been CEO of Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa for the past 25 years. He has also served as a volunteer Board Member for the Red Cross for over 30 years, and serves on the International Board managing Hospital Lumiere, a mountaintop Christian Hospital in Haiti.
Donna C.
Donna's 40+ years of inpatient assistant nursing are critical to her hospital.
Dr. Allan Friedman
In 2003, Kindra King was diagnosed with a brain tumor. That was when she met Dr. Allan Friedman at Duke University Medical Center, who ended up saving her life more than once.
New York Methodist Hospital Radiation Team
Sherry Weaver submitted as her Hospital Heroes the "joyous, friendly, caring" radiation team at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.
Mary McCormick
A former patient explains why she nominated Dr. McCormick as a Hospital Hero.
Dr. Carey Andrew-Jaja
Dr. Andrew-Jaja has welcomed thousands of babies into the world using the gift of song. His mantra is, "confront every encounter with a smile on your face and a song in your heart." We are thrilled to spotlight his efforts to bring these words to life with every baby he delivers!
Keren M.
Keren is a Hospital Hero because of her love for her vocation, and her patients.
William M.
William's "never say never" attitude makes him stand out as a Hospital Hero.
Laurie Ketterl
This NICU nurse is using technology to transform how she and her colleagues connect with patients.
Lance P.
Lance's work to improve the quality of care for his patients makes him a Hospital Hero.
Suzanne P.
A registered nurse for over 30 years, Suzanne exemplifies the traits of a wonderful caregiver.
Susanna Cheung, R.N.
Susanna Cheung, known as the "matriarch" of her nursing unit, has spent nearly four decades caring for patients.
Mary Prokop
When her daughter was diagnosed with cancer, Mary's life changed in unimaginable ways. But she never expected her daughter's illness to lead her on a new career path to patient care.