Articles
Rural issues, Access to Care in Vulnerable Communities
Supporting Access to Care in Rural Communities
More than 57 million rural Americans depend on their hospital not only as an important source of care but also as a critical component of their area's economic and social framework. Rural hospitals also face the same difficulties shared by many hospitals — including financial stress, workforce shortages, and inadequate reimbursement from government payers like Medicare and Medicaid, just to name a few. The AHA is engaged in many advocacy efforts to support rural hospitals and ensure access to care in rural communities.
Commercial Insurer Accountability
Working to Ensure Commercial Health Insurers Do Their Part to Support Patient Care
Every year tens of millions of Americans dig deep into their pocketbooks to pay for health insurance plans that will cover both preventive and necessary care for individuals and families.
Advocacy & Public Policy, Legislation and Legislative Advocacy
A New Year of Working Together to Advance Health in America
Congress returned to Washington this week with a full plate of issues to contend with in the short term as it defines its legislative agenda for the remainder of 2026.
Leadership, Strategic Planning
Not Just for the Holidays: Hospitals and Caregivers Brighten Lives Every Day
The giving spirit of the holiday season blazes brightly every day of the year in the care that hospitals and health systems provide. No one is turned away from their doors.
Workforce
Strengthening Today’s Workforce and Preparing for the Future
The AHA recently released its 2026 Health Care Workforce Scan — an annual report that examines the current trends in the health care workforce.
Patient Safety Initiative
Patient Safety Continues to Improve Across America
If you had to describe a hospital’s mission, philosophy and guiding light with a single word, safety would sit at the top of the list.
Telling the Hospital Story, Promoting Healthy Communities
Why Gratitude Can Be a Powerful Medicine
Imagine a powerful practice that strengthens human connection, improves well-being, boosts psychological health and supports a healthy workplace culture.
Rural issues
Helping Rural Hospitals Meet Their Mission of Caring for Patients and Communities
Nov. 20 is National Rural Health Day. It’s an opportunity to recognize the many ways rural hospitals advance health in their communities, as well as raise awareness about the challenges they face as they seek to preserve access to high-quality, affordable care.
For nearly 1 in 5 Americans, rural hospitals are beacons of hope and sources of healing for individuals and families who would otherwise face long, time-consuming journeys to access the care they need. Rural hospitals also promote community well-being and help preserve the vitality of rural America.
Veteran Hiring, Veterans Administration (VA), Workforce
Gratitude for the Uniformed Protectors of Our Nation
the training of military medics focuses on saving lives under stress and bridging the gap between battlefield and hospital care.
Older Adults, Age-Friendly Health Systems
Caring for Older Americans Now and In the Future
In 2060, the number of Americans age 65 and older is projected to increase to 95 million, making up almost a quarter of the U.S. population.