The Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association (AHHA), in conjunction with the American Hospital Association, presented South Peninsula Hospital CEO Ryan Smith with the 2023 Grassroots Champion Award at AHHA's annual conference on September 21.
The American Hospital Association Grassroots Champions Award was created to recognize those hospital leaders who effectively educate elected officials on the hospital’s vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital, and who serve as a tireless advocate for their hospital, staff, and patients.
The Grassroots Champion award is presented annually to one individual from each state with winners being chosen by the state association.
Smith has been an active participant and leader within AHHA for years through many roles that include association chair, small hospital committee chair, and now legislative chair heading into 2024. He has also been a strong advocate for our healthcare system in his local community of Homer, and at the national level with our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.