THE VALUED VOICE

Prairie Ridge Health's John Russell Receives AHA Grassroots Champion Award

Every year, one individual in each state is honored as a “Grassroots Champion” by the American Hospital Association (AHA) in consultation with state hospital associations. This year, the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) nominated John Russell to receive the AHA Grassroots Champion Award for his service and efforts. 

Currently, Russell serves as the chair-elect on the WHA board of directors. Russell regularly participates in WHA grassroots advocacy initiatives, including attending Advocacy Day, promoting the WHA’s Hospitals Education & Advocacy Team (HEAT) program, traveling with WHA to Washington, D.C., and more. Russell is also active in the Wisconsin Hospitals PAC & Conduit, personally contributing to the program and engaging with candidates through events.
 
WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding presented the Grassroots Champion Award to Russell virtually on Dec. 17. “John is an exemplary leader, advocating for the important issues that impact Wisconsin hospitals, the patients they serve and their critical role in our communities,” said Borgerding. “WHA was pleased to nominate John for this is well-deserved award, and we know he will continue to be an advocacy model for others.”
 
“Thank you very much for this award,” said Russell. “I feel advocacy is part of our obligation as health care leaders—to be involved, to build those relationships, and hopefully, in some way, influence the direction of health care in our communities and in our state.”