Articles
Leadership
Perspective: For Every Situation, Hospitals Are There
By Rick Pollack
It’s hard to believe 20 years have passed since Americans watched in shock and horror the events that unfolded in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.
Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19), COVID-19: Vaccines and Therapeutics, Leadership
Perspective: Information is Key as Children Return to School
By Rick Pollack
As of now, most school districts have opened or plan to reopen this month or next, so the return to in-person schooling is underway. Many kids — not to mention their parents — eagerly await the day.
Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19), Leadership
Perspective: Sharing Knowledge, Experiences to Advance Health
By Rick Pollack
COVID-19 has posed a steep learning curve for health care providers over the past 18 months. Hospitals and health systems have responded by sharing more knowledge, insight and best practices with each other than ever before.
Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19), Legislation and Legislative Advocacy, Leadership
Perspective: Keeping our Hospitals Healthy so They Can Keep Our Communities Safe
By Rick Pollack
The COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund has been a lifeline for hospitals, health systems and health care providers, allowing them to continue to put the health and safety of patients and health care personnel first. In many cases, the funds ensured they were able to keep their doors open.
Leadership, COVID-19: Vaccines and Therapeutics, COVID-19: Caring for Patients and Communities, Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19)
Perspective: The Case for Vaccination is Stronger than Ever
By Rick Pollack
The widespread belief that we have completely turned the corner in our fight against COVID-19 does not apply equally to all parts of the country. In many states and communities, the rate of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are moving in the wrong direction.
Disparities/Equity of Care, Leadership, Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19)
Perspective: The Time is now for Diversity and Health Equity
By Rick Pollack
COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on Black, Latino, Native Americans and other communities of color is well-documented and deeply troubling. It’s also the latest in a long history of health inequities and health disparities affecting racial minorities in our society.
Leadership, Health Insurance, Access & Health Coverage
UnitedHealth Group Earnings: What They Suggest about Patient Access to Care
By Rick Pollack
UnitedHealth Group announced a jaw-dropping $6 billion in earnings in a single quarter. But not enough has been said about a big contributor to these profits: not paying for health care services.
Community Benefit, Leadership
Lown Institute Report on Hospital Community Benefits Falls Short
By Rick Pollack
The mission of all hospitals and health systems, regardless of size and type of ownership, is to care for their patients and communities. In fact, an Ernst and Young report from 2019 demonstrates that for every dollar invested in non-profit hospitals and health systems through the federal tax exemption, $11 in benefits is delivered back to communities.
Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19), Disparities/Equity of Care, Workforce, Access to Behavioral Health
Perspective: Governance Lessons Gleaned During COVID-19
By Rick Pollack
COVID-19 has been a learning experience on many fronts. Every facet of our health care system has been affected by the pandemic — from providers to patients to hospital and health system CEOs — and we will be sorting out lessons learned for some time to come.
Leadership, COVID-19: Protecting Health Care Workers, Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19)
Perspective: This Fourth of July Calls for Special Thanks
By Rick Pollack
Founding Father John Adams believed that July 2, was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and he reportedly would turn down invitations to appear at July 4 events in protest.