Des Moines Community Forum
Community leaders from across the state of Iowa gathered in Des Moines on July 16, 2008 for a panel discussion on ways to galvanize the health care reform movement and create a consensus-based strategy for reform implementation at the local, state and federal levels.
Hosted by the American Hospital Association and the Iowa Hospital Association, the event featured representatives of consumer, health care, and business organizations, who agreed the current economic downturn and presidential campaigns have created a momentum behind reform that should be seized for greatest effect.
AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock urged stakeholders to approach reform with “one voice,” adding that policymakers tend to avoid acting on divisive issues. Iowa Healthcare Collaborative President and CEO Tom Evans, who moderated the panel, noted that Iowa’s recent success in expanding coverage for the uninsured through a consensus-based, bipartisan effort could serve as a model for other states and the federal government.
Forum panelists
Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association
Kirk Norris, president and CEO of the Iowa Hospital Association
Paul Turner, Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy
Bruce Koeppl, AARP Iowa
Elliott Smith, Iowa Business Council
Michael Kitchell, Iowa Medical Society
Read more
AHA News Now, "Health for Life sparks a dialogue on improving health care at Iowa forum," July 21, 2008
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