Wisconsin Hospital Association, Inc.

Madison -- Aurora Health Care received the Wisconsin Hospital Association's 2009 All-Star Grassroots Advocate Award for doing what they do best-advocating for the communities they serve.

In accepting the award at WHA's Advocacy Day April 1, Aurora President and CEO Nick Turkal, MD, said he feels strongly that people should stay informed and participate in local and state government.

"We have an opportunity to positively advocate for our patients, their families and the communities we serve every single day. Whether people pick up the phone and call their legislator or visit them in person-participating in the process does make a difference," Turkal said. "As health care providers, we care for a lot of people in this state. We need to always ask ourselves what we can do to make a difference in our state, and help make it a better place for people to receive health care. "

Jenny Boese, WHA vice president of external relations & member advocacy, commended Aurora Health Care.

"WHA depends on individuals at hospitals and health systems like Aurora because there is no substitute for grassroots involvement," Boese said. "They know the issues, they work with WHA, they engage their elected officials, and they mobilize others to be involved-it's this year-round commitment to advocacy that is the heart of grassroots!"

The Wisconsin Hospital Association represents more than 130 hospitals and health care systems that are committed to providing affordable, accessible, and high quality care in the communities they serve.

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Contact:
Mary Kay Grasmick,
WHA 608-274-1820 (office)
608-575-7516 (cell)