IHA is a nonprofit regional healthcare trade organization
representing more than 50 hospitals and health systems (rural, small community safety-net providers to large, academic medical centers),
spanning over 28,000 square miles,
across 32 counties of Upstate NY                

IHA’s Advocacy Team represents member interests and communicates with key decision-makers, promoting a broader understanding of, and building support for, the health care systems serving Upstate NY

IHA conducts a number of initiatives on behalf of its membership, including data collection, workforce projects, emergency preparedness and many other member benefit programs

IHA is responsible for the creation of the Caring Gene® - a brand and international award-winning multi-media campaign designed to address the dire long-term caregiver shortage

From world-class facilities and cutting-edge technology to a supportive community and affordable cost of living, Upstate New York has something to offer everyone. Watch the video to learn more about why Upstate New York is the perfect place to build your healthcare career!

IHA Creates Alternative to Traditional Healthcare Staffing Agencies

The Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) has created Upstate Works an innovative and sustainable solution for its members to battle exorbitant rates charged by healthcare temporary staffing agencies.

“The actions that we take now are going to disrupt the face of temporary healthcare staffing in New York,” said IHA President & CEO, Gary J. Fitzgerald. “We cannot continue to sit idly by while Hospitals are made to pay a projected $1.2B to staffing agencies during a health care staffing crisis. Upstate Works will help hospitals save precious resources and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to care in Upstate.”
IHA found that there are roughly 20,000 open staff positions in hospitals across Upstate and Western New York. Because of this staff vacancy crisis hospitals have had to use staffing agencies in order to continue to ensure patient safety and essential operations in service to their communities. The unfortunate consequence of this reliance is skyrocketing costs further jeopardizing hospitals’ already fragile fiscal condition.

To help solve this problem for our members, IHA launched its own unique staffing agency, Upstate Works.

IHA Survey Finds Upstate New York Hospitals at Critical Level of Financial Distress

A survey conducted by the Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) shows that hospitals in Upstate New York continue to face disastrous financial circumstances.

IHA is keenly aware of the challenges that Upstate and rural New York hospitals and health systems are facing. With a base of more than 50-member hospitals across 32 counties in Upstate New York, IHA regularly surveys its members to inform its advocacy, understand in real time the workforce and operational issues faced, and relay those facts to State policymakers.

“Hospitals have been running on fumes for far too long,” said IHA President & CEO, Gary J. Fitzgerald. “The numbers we are seeing are striking, and will assuredly worsen without adequate intervention. It is clear that in order to preserve the health and economic viability of Upstate communities, the State needs to ensure financial assistance for our member hospitals is priority number one.”

Click on the button below to read the full press release.

IHA Submits Testimony in Response to FY2023 Budget 

Iroquois Healthcare Alliance (IHA) President and CEO, Gary J. Fitzgerald, delivered testimony in response to Governor Hochul’s fiscal year 2022-2023 Executive Budget.

“There is no doubt that Governor Hochul has clearly recognized the need to invest in Upstate New York hospitals and the workforce that supports them,” said Gary J. Fitzgerald, President and CEO, Iroquois Healthcare Alliance. “This recognition is emblematic of a new governing style.”

Click on the button below to read the full testimony.

IHA Responds to 2022 Hochul State of the State 

Today, Governor Hochul delivered her first and historic State of the State address. I commend Governor Hochul on outlining a very ambitious and much need healthcare agenda for New York in the coming year and beyond.

IHA is very pleased that Governor Hochul has outlined in her address several major policy priorities that IHA has been advocating. These are long-held priorities that have been overlooked for far too long.

Click on the button below to read the full statement!