The word “ally” is both a noun and a verb, reminding us that true partnership is not just about who we are connected to, but about our shared goals — and the actions we take to support, strengthen, and advocate for one another.
At Hospital Council and throughout the OneTeam, we are committed to building allies across community, political, and economic sectors. The common denominator among these diverse groups is a shared understanding of the need for a high-quality, efficient, and accessible health care system — with hospitals at its core. Through these engagements, we can ensure that health care remains a central and effective part of our communities.
A recent example of this work took place on March 4. Hospital Council attended a meeting in Sacramento convened by the Bay Area Council, a business and public policy advocacy organization. This event offered an opportunity to connect with industry leaders and key policy makers, such as Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, and Michael Martinez, California’s chief deputy insurance commissioner. These interactions help sustain ongoing dialogue about policy that affects hospitals.
Looking ahead to May, Hospital Council will be strongly represented on the annual Cap-to-Cap trip to Washington, D.C., hosted by the Sacramento Metro Chamber. This is another important opportunity to engage not only with California’s elected officials, but also with community and business leaders who share the goal of having accessible, high-quality health care for all Californians. These allies can also highlight the challenges facing health care in the region and join with our hospitals in advocating for solution-oriented policies.
Building strong cross-sector alliances takes commitment and persistence, and these partnerships are essential. Ultimately, they help expand access to care, address social determinants of health, promote community engagement, ensure the financial sustainability of hospitals, and more. By working together and recognizing our shared interest in a strong health care infrastructure, we lay the foundation for healthier, more vibrant communities.