Aspirus Leaders Advocate at WHA Advocacy Day in Madison

(Madison, WIs)-Several leaders from throughout the Aspirus Health system were among approximately 1,100 hospital advocates who traveled to Madison on February 25 to participate in the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) annual Advocacy Day.

Held at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, the event brought together health care leaders, providers, trustees, staff and volunteers from hospitals across Wisconsin for a unified day of education and outreach at the State Capitol. 

“This important day centered on direct engagement with lawmakers about the most pressing issues facing hospitals and the patients we serve,” said Jessica Stauber, System Director of Government Relations, Aspirus Health.

Focused Advocacy on Key Issues
Aspirus leaders joined peers from across the state in urging legislators to:
• Support Next of Kin legislation (AB 598 and SB 578)
• Continue advancing policies that strengthen Wisconsin’s health care workforce
• Build on recent state budget investments that support hospital care and community health

Throughout the afternoon, advocates conducted more than 600 meetings with state lawmakers, sharing real-world examples of how hospitals are expanding access to high-quality care in communities throughout Wisconsin.

Insights from State and National Leaders
The day began with a keynote address from Jonathan Martin, POLITICO Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist and author of This Will Not Pass. Attendees also heard from a bipartisan panel of legislative leaders. Panelists discussed and debated key policy topics, including the state budget, coverage expansion, medical liability and strategies to address workforce challenges.

Showcasing Quality and Innovation
In addition to legislative meetings, more than two dozen hospitals participated in the WHA Health Care Quality Showcase in the Capitol Rotunda. The showcase highlighted innovative quality improvement initiatives that are strengthening patient safety, expanding access and delivering greater value in communities statewide. Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital participated in the showcase, highlighting their efforts to identify C. Difficile early upon admission through screening. 

These efforts underscore why Wisconsin continues to rank among the highest-quality health care states in the country.

“Advocacy Day represents the strength of Wisconsin’s hospitals coming together with one unified voice,” said WHA President and CEO Kyle O’Brien. “When 1,100 hospital advocates take time out of their busy schedules to travel to Madison and meet with their legislators, it sends a powerful message: hospitals are essential to Wisconsin communities, and we need state policies that support the care they provide.”

A Unified Voice for Wisconsin Communities
For Aspirus Health leaders, participation in Advocacy Day reflects a continued commitment to patients, staff and the communities they serve. By engaging directly with policymakers, Aspirus helps ensure that state policies support high-quality care, strengthen the health care workforce and preserve access to essential services across Wisconsin.