Bay Pines VA Commemorates 75 Years of AHA Membership
On Aug. 30, 2022, Paul M. Russo, Director/CEO of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (BPVAHCS), along with fellow members of the Executive Leadership Team, accepted the 75-year Membership Milestone Achievement Award from the American Hospital Association (AHA).
The award was presented by Rebecca Jolley, Regional Executive of AHA.
According to their site, AHA is the national organization that represents and serves a variety of hospitals and health care networks, as well as their patients and communities. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. Today, it is comprised of approximately 5,000 hospitals, healthcare systems, networks, and other providers of care.
“It is an honor to commemorate 75 years of Bay Pines VA’s involvement with an organization that aligns with our goals of providing only the highest quality of care to those we serve,” Russo said. “Here at Bay Pines VA, we are constantly striving to live up to VA’s mission of caring for the brave men and woman who’ve served our Nation. Working toward that goal would not be possible without a coordinated effort and I’m eternally grateful to be part of a team who is so resolute in their desire to serve those who served.”
Through their representation and advocacy activities, AHA ensures that members' perspectives and needs are heard and addressed in national health policy development, legislative and regulatory debates, and judicial matters. This means that being a member of the AHA enhances Bay Pines VA’s ability to advocate for the needs of our Veterans and ensures we continue to provide them with the high-quality care they’ve earned.
“The AHA is pleased to recognize the Bay Pines VA for more than 75 years of membership,” Jolley said. “Since joining the AHA on March 1, 1946, Bay Pines VA has provided high-quality care to patients throughout the area while also helping to train the next generation of caregivers. The AHA thanks the staff and leadership of the hospital for the care and services they provide each day to their patients and communities.”