American Hospital Association Names David Lally “2019 Grassroots Champion”

David Lally accepts award from Jon Hoelter
David Lally (right) accepts award from Jon Hoelter

David Lally, Director of Business Development & Advocacy for HSHS St. Vincent, St. Mary’s, St. Nicholas and St. Clare hospitals, is a recipient of the American Hospital Association’s 2019 Grassroots Champion award.

The Grassroots Champion award is given out each year to one individual in each state who is nominated by the state hospital association partners. The award was created to recognize hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect hospitals’ vital roles in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for hospitals, and who are tireless advocates for their hospitals and patients.

“Whether it’s traveling to Washington, D.C., the state capitol in Madison, or joining us for meetings with legislators in their communities, David is always jumping at the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the HSHS hospitals in Eastern Wisconsin, and Wisconsin health care as a whole,” said Jon Hoelter, Director of State and Federal Relations for the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA), which nominated David for the AHA award. “The Wisconsin Hospital Association truly appreciates his passion and dedication to advocacy.”

Most recently, David attended a WHA meeting in Mequon with Congressman Glenn Grothman to discuss federal legislation aimed at tackling surprise medical billing. David and other HSHS leaders discussed the voluntary efforts HSHS hospitals in Eastern Wisconsin are making to meet patients’ desires for more price transparency, including the launch of an online price estimator tool which allows patients to obtain out-of-pocket estimates for planned procedures.

“Advocacy is truly a team effort,” said David. “While I am humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award, I am also deeply grateful for the team of dedicated health care leaders at HSHS who assist in advocacy efforts daily on behalf of St. Vincent, St. Mary’s, St. Nicholas and St. Clare hospitals.”

HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center are located in Green Bay, HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls. They are part of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), based in Springfield, Ill.