Celebrating the new year has special importance for the Wisconsin Hospital Association, as the year 2020 marks WHA’s 100th anniversary. Officially formed at a meeting at Milwaukee’s Pfister Hotel on September 16, 1920, more than two dozen men and women representing hospitals from around the state approved a new constitution and bylaws for a new association. WHA was one of the nation’s first three state hospital associations to be formed – similar organizations began in Ohio and Michigan in 1920.
From the outset WHA was formed to promote the greater good for the state’s citizens, enshrining that purpose in its constitution. Article II of that new founding document reads: “The object of this Association shall be to promote the welfare of the people of the State of Wisconsin, insofar as this may be done by the development of hospitals and dispensaries of the State in number and location; in securing the best equipment and in promoting general efficiency of operation; by securing co-operation and assistance in this work from all other organizations of similar purpose, and in all ways possible to advance the interests of all medical service institutions.”
A century later, that dedication to Wisconsin’s health care continues. WHA’s members continue to lead the way on improving health care quality, access and affordability, and WHA is the state’s leading voice in advancing wise health care policies that can further enhance what is already nation-leading care. Throughout 2020, WHA will share highlights from the past 100 years in a variety of ways and venues, including in future editions of The Valued Voice as well as our high-impact annual events such as
Advocacy Day 2020 in Madison.
If your organization has historical items – photos, agendas, etc. – that you would like to share as part of WHA’s 100th celebration, please reach out to WHA Director of Communications
Tammy Hribar.