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Get the latest information about the work of the Coalition, and the hospitals, caregivers, and patients we fight to protect.
5 Things You May Not Know About Vaccines
From the surprising origins of the smallpox vaccine to the current state of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, here’s what you need to know.
Good News in 2020
These headlines are just a small sampling of the incredible work being done in hospitals across the country each and every day.
Hospitals are ready
Hospitals and health systems are always on call to provide vital care to their communities, they implemented measures to protect against COVID-19 spread to keep their patients and employees safe.
COVID-19: 5 inspiring stories from the front lines
Read the inspiring stories of health care providers on the front lines.
Coronavirus Prevention Tips and Resources
Expert advice to keep you and your family safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quality Care: Wherever and Whenever It’s Needed
Hospitals work around the clock to provide quality care to their communities — whenever and wherever it's needed.
Kate Maxouris, MD
During her tenure at Swedish Covenant, Dr. Kate Maxouris has treated babies, parents, grandparents, and everyone in between. For many patients, she's practically part of the family!
From Personal Training to Proton Therapy, and Back Again
A dedicated care team, an innovative new treatment, and an endless cache of positive energy.
4 Tech Innovations Improving Patient Care
Researchers and doctors are constantly implementing new technology to improve patient care.
7 Inspiring Nurses
During National Nurses Week, we want to celebrate every nurse who is a vital part of a hospital care team. Nurses work selflessly — sometimes off-duty or outside a hospital’s walls — on the front lines of care to keep us healthy. Take a look at seven of this community’s favorite stories about nurses to celebrate these amazing caregivers.
A Port In The Storm
Running only on generator power, New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington cared for more than 500 patients during Hurricane Florence.
Cheers to Volunteers
Hospital volunteers are a vital part of the health care community. Offering their time free of charge, these hospital heroes work alongside medical staff and behind the scenes to make everyone’s day a little brighter.
Hospitals, Nutrition, and You
Whether you're a mom-to-be, a person experiencing poverty, or just a shopper without a lot of time on your hands, everyone could use a leg up on staying healthy. So hospitals are going into communities to teach us all about nutrition — keeping patients healthier as they do so.
Gayle’s Story
For most people, November 1, 2016, was just another Tuesday. For Gayle Fisk, it was the day her life changed in an instant.
3 Hospital Heroes Who Served
These are just a handful of the medical professionals who are proud to serve the men and women of our armed forces.
5 True Tales from the NICU
Every year on September 15, we mark Neonatal Nurses Day -- to honor and thank these caregivers for their selfless dedication.
Linda (Record) Marvin, RN
Don’t be surprised if Linda (Record) Marvin pops by an old patient’s house to say hello. After nearly five decades on the job, she’s seen it all — and made lifelong friends along the way.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Hospitals
Upside-down hospitals? Four-star service for patients? Read all about how hospitals are designed to be the most modern, comfortable, advanced health care providers around!
5 Tips for Staying Healthy This Summer
Summer is one of the busiest times of year for hospitals around the country. Here are 5 things you should do to keep yourself, and your loved ones, healthy!
Scott Witt, MD
As his family’s home burned and his hospital was threatened by deadly wildfires, Dr. Scott Witt took to his motorcycle to ensure the NICU babies in his care were safely evacuated.
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 $148.75 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 things you should know to protect yourself and those around you.
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.