Physician Edition

Nearly 1,200 health care leaders, providers, hospital staff, trustees and volunteers traveled from across Wisconsin yesterday to the state’s capitol to participate in the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s (WHA) annual Advocacy Day, making it the largest Advocacy Day in WHA’s history.

Before meeting with lawmakers, attendees gathered to hear from Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur, who participated in a fireside chat with WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding for the event’s keynote portion.

Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur and WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding

Participants also heard remarks by Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge and a bipartisan legislative panel with Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee), Rep. Tip McGuire (D-Kenosha), Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) and Sen. Romaine Quinn (R-Birchwood).

Legislative Panel with Sen. LaTonya Johnson, Rep. Tip McGuire, Rep. Clint Moses and Sen. Romaine Quinn moderated by WHA Senior Vice President of Government Relations Kyle O’Brien

During the luncheon, Eric Borgerding was presented a special award from Cathy Jacobson, former WHA Board Chair and President and CEO of Froedtert Health, as he prepares to retire after 27 years of service to WHA.

“It is my honor to recognize you, Eric, for everything you have built at WHA. We thank you for your commitment to Wisconsin’s hospitals, our staff, our communities and the patients we serve,” said Jacobson.

During the afternoon, Wisconsin hospitals showcased their quality improvement initiatives at the Capitol Rotunda. The Health Care Quality Showcase offered legislators, hospital staff and leadership and the public the opportunity to engage with the dedicated staff behind enhanced patient care at Wisconsin hospitals. From bolstering quality and safety to enhancing accessibility and value, attendees witnessed the transformative strides being made every day by these health care professionals. 

Attendees also had the opportunity to meet with their state legislators to provide specific examples of how hospitals are providing access to high quality health care in Wisconsin communities. Discussions focused on supporting Wisconsin’s health care workforce, improving Medicaid reimbursement to protect hospital services and reinforcing the economic impact hospitals have across the state. 

Watch next week's The Valued Voice for more Advocacy Day coverage.