In partnership with HANYS, the American Hospital Association presents its 2021 New York state Grassroots Champion Award to Steven L. Kelley, in recognition of his effective, persistent advocacy before the United States Congress.
Kelley’s regular and repeated communication with federal representatives about the role of hospitals in their communities has helped build strong bipartisan champions for HANYS and AHA priorities.
Ellenville Regional Hospital is a rural, critical access hospital in Ulster County. Thanks in large part to Kelley’s strong advocacy partnerships, significant strides have been made towards addressing outstanding issues like the Critical Access Hospital mileage requirements that threaten the status of hospitals across the country.
AHA’s Grassroots Champion Award recognizes hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital and are tireless advocates for hospitals and patients. The award is presented annually to one individual from each state.
