A Message From Our CEO
Patient safety, pandemic response, workforce and recruitment and retention – these initiatives are the driving force behind IHA as we continue to expand our focus and broaden our reach to support Upstate New York’s best health care workers.
The Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) is pleased to introduce to you our newly developed Newsletter. IHA’s quarterly newsletter will feature highlights and updates on our advocacy efforts, membership, programs & initiatives, United Iroquois Shared Services (UISS) updates, as well as any additional updates happening inside IHA. We want to take a moment to fill you in on all the association is doing as we near the end of 2021 and prepare for 2022.
We recognize the extraordinary circumstances the COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon healthcare facilities, between accumulating a sufficient stock of personal protective equipment, critical workforce shortages, and the implementation of mandatory vaccination policies which exacerbates the shortage of health care workers, IHA will not stop supporting and advocating for all of its members and all of your frontline and support staff during this difficult time.
As we look towards a new year, I’m excited to share with you IHA’s priorities for the coming year, which include:
- Advocacy
- Eliminating the Medicaid global cap and increasing rates
- NY Health Act
- Staffing Legislation
- 1115 Waiver
- Federal issues
- Additional Financial Resources for Upstate Hospitals
- Workforce
- Continuation and Expansion of IHA Workforce Investment Organization
- Rural/Urban residency program
- Community Paramedicine
- Scholarships and acute care educational training
- Pipeline to the Healthcare Professions
These are the areas that will drive much of our work in 2022, and we look forward to your collaboration and participation.
IHA is proud of its work on behalf of hospitals and healthcare systems in Upstate New York that promote the well being of others, and save lives day in and day out. Thank you for your continued support of and collaboration with IHA.
Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.
Gary Fitzgerald
President