At the AHA’s 2024 Annual Meeting on April 14-16, Sarah Lechner, senior vice president and chief of external affairs for Hackensack Meridian Health, emphasized the importance of centering advocacy efforts on the patient. In a Q&A session, she discussed strategies for building relationships with elected officials when advocating for hospitals and health systems alongside Jeremy Nordquist, president of the Nebraska Hospital Association.
Lechner highlighted the significance of early engagement, hosting site visits, crafting tailored messages with specific requests, and maintaining a reciprocal relationship with legislators. By focusing on these tactics and working closely with state associations to identify opportunities to connect with elected officials and advocate effectively, hospitals and health systems can establish impactful relationships that benefit both parties.
Nordquist stressed the need for starting the advocacy process as early as possible, noting that politicians consider a variety of factors when making decisions, including support for favorable votes. He emphasized the importance of self-improvement and collaboration with state associations to identify opportunities to connect with elected officials and advocate effectively. By focusing on building meaningful relationships with elected officials early on in the process, hospitals and health systems can establish trust and ensure that their voices are heard when it matters most.