The American Hospital Association (AHA) in partnership with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH) today awarded Michael Robinson, executive director of philanthropy and government relations at Hawaii Pacific Health, with the American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award. As a 2013 Grassroots Champion, Robinson is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of a hospital’s mission.
The American Hospital Association 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 the hospital and its patients.
“We depend upon strong voices like Mike’s to help tell the story of hospitals as cornerstones of the communities they serve,” said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO. “This award is a small token of our appreciation for his hard work and dedication to improving health and health care in America.”
Robinson credits his grass-roots success to his many partners and stakeholders who, like Hawaii Pacific Health, are concerned about the current and future state of health care in Hawaii, and are willing to work together toward their shared goal.
“The issues we confront as a nonprofit health care provider often do not have solutions that can be found within the marketplace,” said Ginny Pressler, Hawaii Pacific Health executive vice president of strategic business development. “Mike’s approach to advocacy is particularly effective in our island community where identifying and developing long-term relationships with key stakeholders—both in the community and within the Legislature—is critical to our shared success.”
“Mike has made significant contributions to shaping health care through legislation and advocacy,” said George Greene, Esq., president and CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH). “Mike is a longtime active member of HAH’s Government Relations Committee, serving as chair last year, and his contributions are extremely valued.”
The award is presented annually to one individual from each state with winners being chosen by the state association. Robinson was recognized at HAH’s Annual Meeting today.