Valued Voice

Mike SchaferEvery 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, WHA nominated Spooner Health’s CEO Mike Schafer to receive the AHA Grassroots Champion Award for his service and efforts.

WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding presented the award to Schafer on Feb. 5.

Schafer has actively participated in several important advocacy activities, including attending Capitol Hill visits with WHA and participating in WHA’s annual Advocacy Day. He understands the most effective way to advocate for hospital issues is for lawmakers and their staff to hear directly from hospital leaders. Schafer does an excellent job of engaging in conversations that highlight AHA priority issues, including attending a roundtable with U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany to discuss the 96-hour rule, nursing home 3-day rule, support for 340B, Medicare reimbursement for rural health clinics and workforce strategies.

From a state perspective, Schafer is also engaged in Wisconsin public policy and advocacy efforts. He is a champion of both WHA’s grassroots advocacy network, the Hospitals Education Advocacy Team (HEAT) and the Wisconsin Hospitals PAC & Conduit.

Finally, Schafer currently serves on the WHA Board where his advocacy leadership continues to set an example for other hospital and health system leaders in Wisconsin.

“Mike has done an exemplary job educating elected officials on the public policy issues affecting hospitals across the country and in Wisconsin,” said Borgerding. “WHA was pleased to nominate Mike for this well-deserved award, and we know he will continue to be an advocacy model for others.”