Tallahassee, Florida (AP) – Hospital leaders from throughout Florida gathered last week in the state’s capital for the annual Hospital Days event organized by the Florida Hospital Association.
The two-day event provided a platform for hospital leaders to engage with state legislators on matters concerning hospital policies during the 2024 legislative session.
Gino Santorio, Chair of the Florida Hospital Association Board of Trustees and president and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center, expressed optimism about the focus on healthcare in this year’s legislative session. He emphasized the importance of the Live Healthy package and the commitment of legislative leaders to hospitals, patients, and the healthcare workforce.
According to Santorio, Hospital Days serves as a critical forum for open and collaborative dialogue, fostering comprehensive legislation such as the Live Healthy package. The event aimed to envision a modern, sophisticated, and patient-centered healthcare delivery system, working alongside hospital members and state leaders to secure a healthier future for all Floridians.
Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association, commended the state’s hospitals for rising to the challenge amid a growing population. She highlighted the collaborative efforts of hospitals to support an innovative healthcare delivery system that advances medicine and improves access to healthcare services.
Hospital Days also featured several significant events, including a Board of Trustees meeting with guest speakers such as the director of the Division of Emergency Management and the chancellor of Career and Technical Education at the Florida Department of Education. The event concluded with a reception for association members and a hospital CEO dinner, providing opportunities for hospital executives to share ideas and best practices.
On the second day, the agenda included a Hospital Days legislative briefing featuring key leaders who shared insights on ongoing efforts to enhance the state’s healthcare system. It concluded with FHA members visiting the Capitol for meetings with legislators and participating in committee meetings.
With over 320 hospitals serving more than 22 million Floridians, the state’s healthcare institutions play a critical role in addressing the health and well-being of individuals and families. They support health and wellness across various life stages, from infancy to compassionate end-of-life care.