As part of the first annual IHA PAC reception at the 80^th IHA Annual Meeting last week, two Iowa legislators were honored and presented with 2009 IHA Legislator of the Year awards for their tireless advocacy of Iowa hospitals over the past Iowa legislative session.

Two legislators, one House member and one Senate member, were given awards to honor their leadership and experience at the Capitol and the well-earned respect of their peers.

In the House, Representative Lisa Heddens (R-Ames) was honored for her work for hospitals and health care in Iowa.  Heddens has served in the Iowa House since 2002 and sits on the Joint Health and Human Services Committee.

Brian Dieter, CEO at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, presented the award and stated, “Rep. Heddens was a critical player in maintaining Medicaid payments to hospitals even in these challenging economic times.  When Medicaid cuts were proposed in the House, she was a leader in reversing those cuts.  Now in her fourth term in House, this legislator is a leader who truly cares about health care.”

In the Senate, Senator Dennis Black (D-Newton) was recognized for his work for hospitals as an outspoken hospital

and health care advocate.  Gary Kahn, IHA Board member and trustee at Skiff Medical Center in Newton, presented the award to Senator Black saying, “Senator Black knows a well supported health care system is also critical to that quality of life.  And he has provided that support consistently during his many terms both in the House and in the Senate.  This past session, his leadership was unparalleled in support of the IHA supported public hospital bill and fighting for adequate Medicaid payments for hospitals.”  Black is serving his fourth term in the Iowa Senate.

IHA plans to continue both the IHA PAC reception, hosted for contributors whose donations were at the $350 level or above, as well as the Legislator of the Year awards at the Annual Meeting as a means to heighten the profile of hospital advocacy efforts and recognize legislators who consistently show leadership and support for Iowa hospitals.

Tim Gard, the nationally acclaimed speaker who will bring his unique stories, incredible humor and sound advice to the IHA Annual Meeting, has recorded a special video message for Annual Meeting attendees.

As the founder of “Comic Vision,” Gard promotes humor as a both a personal and business strategy that raises morale, lessens stress and improves unity.

“Having a Comic Vision means to laugh when you can, be serious about the things you must and actively use humor to balance stress,” Gard recently explained.  “It’s choosing to see the amusing side of situations that would normally irritate others, create stress, and ultimately reduce productivity.”

Gard is the opening-day speaker at the IHA Annual Meeting, which will be held October 6-8 at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown.  Online registration for the meeting is closed, but walk-in registration will be available on the days of the conference.

Video Link for RSS Readers