A recent trend recommends identifying a single word to inspire positive change during the year instead of a daunting New Year’s resolution. While intended as a personal exercise, identifying a focus word has benefits for our work, too.
I contend the word for children’s hospitals and health systems in 2024 should be “solidarity.” Given the current challenges and those on the horizon, it’s never been more critical for us to stand together.
- Presenting a united front helps ensure access to tools and resources that advance children’s health and well-being.
- Speaking with a collective voice enables us to advocate on a national level on behalf of our young patients and their families.
- Working together helps improve internal operations so patients have the best possible outcomes.
I’ve spent my career in children’s hospitals and health systems, and I know from firsthand experience we have much to gain from each other. Now, as the chief executive officer of Children’s Hospital Association (CHA), I look forward to strengthening long-standing relationships and finding new ways to work together to advance our common goals.
In the coming months, our internal team will assess how CHA can be most impactful in the next few years. Rest assured, CHA will remain the strong, stable voice for our members. We will continue to support your efforts in areas like workforce development, behavioral and emotional care, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives while providing leadership in a challenging legislative landscape.
I will have lots to share with our members later this year about our collective path forward. In the meantime, I look forward to connecting with you at a CHA event.
Our Transforming Quality Conference is set for March 11-13 in Chicago. Programming will focus on using creative partnerships, data analytics, and evolving care systems to advance children’s health. I hope you will make plans to attend this dynamic event. I look forward to seeing you there.
