GNYHA’s Annual Meeting and Reception, held on June 2 at the Javits Center Expansion, honored member hospitals and health systems for their heroic ongoing response to COVID-19—and was GNYHA’s first large in-person meeting since 2019. “Welcome back,” said GNYHA President Kenneth E. Raske. He thanked members “for all you’ve done for the City, the State, and the country.” Noting the recent gun violence in Buffalo and Texas, he said, “We in the health care industry have a moral duty to carry the banner and lead the charge” against both gun violence and the continuing pandemic.
GNYHA President Kenneth E. Raske
In an exclusive video message, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who was in Albany for the end of the legislative session, thanked providers “for keeping us safe” and noted the “heroic frontline workers still in crisis mode after more than two years.” To bolster the pandemic-battered health care workforce going forward, she noted that the New York State budget includes a plan to increase the health care workforce by 20% in the next five years. On top of that, “We are investing $2.4 billion to improve our health care infrastructure as well as $3.9 billion over four years to help hospitals struggling financially.”
Outgoing GNYHA Board Chair LaRay Brown
Outgoing GNYHA Board Chair LaRay Brown, One Brooklyn Health & Interfaith Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer, thanked the Board and GNYHA for their support during her tenure and said GNYHA represents its members with “deep knowledge and commitment.”
Incoming GNYHA Board Chair Kenneth Gibbs
Incoming GNYHA Board Chair Kenneth Gibbs, Maimonides Health President and Chief Executive Officer, noted the challenges that remain ahead for the hospital community.
During the event’s Annual Business Meeting, the 2022-23 GNYHA Board of Governors was duly elected and installed.
A video tribute to Scott Amrhein, a former GNYHA executive who died in March 2020, was played.
GNYHA and LiveOnNY, the organ procurement organization for the greater New York area, honored the families of New York Police
Department Detective Wilbert Mora and Fire Department of New York Firefighter Jesse Gerhard, both of whom saved lives when they donated organs and tissue after dying in the line of duty one month apart earlier this year.
“We honor these two sons of New York City,” said Lee Perlman, GNYHA Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer. He and LiveOnNY President and Chief Executive Officer Leonard Achan highlighted that New York’s health care community, through organ and tissue donation, is saving more lives than ever before.
Lee Perlman, GNYHA Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer
Mr. Raske’s annual address highlighted some innovations that resulted from COVID-19, including the development of clinical advances (e.g., aggressive “proning” of patients, splitting ventilators, vaccines). He also detailed some lessons learned, including the importance of flexible surge plans and inter- and intra-system load balancing; coordination with government resources; and the need for good data to meaningfully monitor trends. Additionally, he noted that two key goals going forward are bolstering members’ financial sustainability and building back the health care workforce.