Eva Benedict, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jones Memorial Hospital, was honored with the 2018 Grassroots Champion Award by the American Hospital Association (AHA) in Partnership with the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS).
She received the award in recognition of her effective, persistent advocacy before the United States Congress and her work with the New York State Congressional Delegation to advance federal policies that enable rural and small community hospitals to deliver innovative and patient-centered care throughout New York State.
As President and CEO of Jones Memorial in Wellsville, part of the University of Rochester Medicine network, Ms. Benedict has long prioritized educating her elected leaders about the unique role of small community and rural hospitals in ensuring access to care across the state and nation. Members of the New York State Congressional Delegation regularly rely on her “on the ground” perspective to better understand the challenges facing community hospitals and the practical implications of policies under consideration.
“Eva Benedict’s dedication to advocacy has been crucial to protecting key rural hospital Medicare payment programs and promoting policies that reduce barriers to innovation and improved care,” said Bea Grause, President of HANYS. “Her consistent participation in AHA-convened forums, including the Regional Policy Board and the AHA Task Force on Ensuring Access in Vulnerable Communities ensures that hospitals like Jones Memorial have their voices heard in national health policy discussions.”
Ms. Benedict received the award from Nicholas Henley, Vice President for External Affairs at HANYS and Paul Muraca, Vice President of Member Engagement at the American Hospital Association at a ceremony on June 28, 2018 at HANYS’ 50th Annual Membership Conference in Saratoga Springs.
She is a member of the board of directors at Pandion Healthcare: Education and Advocacy (formerly known as Rochester Regional Healthcare Association), a healthcare association that provides forums for shared challenges, best practices, and advocacy for 17 hospitals and healthcare systems in Western New York.