Community Hospital was recognized by the Nebraska Hospital Association as the 2008 Advocacy Team of the Year. The award was presented to Jim Ulrich, Community Hospital President & CEO on March 31, 2009 at the NHA’s Advocacy Day in Lincoln.

The award recognizes Community Hospital’s outstanding advocacy achievements on a local, state and national level to improve and protect health care delivery in Nebraska. Community Hospital has been a leader in the promotion of critical access hospital issues at both the state and federal level.

Community Hospital was nominated along with four other Nebraska hospitals: Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, and two critical access hospitals in Pender and Westpoint.

In 2008, Ulrich and his knowledgeable team of vice presidents, medical staff and hospital professional staff were in regular contact with their elected officials, including Senator Mark Christensen, Congressman Smith and U.S. Senators Johanns and Nelson, advocating for Nebraska’s hospitals and other health care related legislation, according to the NHA News Rotunda Review.

Most recently, Ulrich said, the hospital has been in contact with elected officials about proposed legislation regarding the Critical Access Hospital Flexibility Program, which would allow hospitals to have an average daily census of 20 patients instead of currently having a set census limit of 25 patients. “We have educated and advocated tremendously on this subject,” Ulrich said.

They have also worked on testimony for numerous state and national legislative bills.

“It’s an ongoing effort. The focus of advocacy efforts often changes from week to week,” he said. “But it’s great to have the opportunity to share our viewpoint as to how legislation can affect rural healthcare. It’s fantastic to be recognized for these efforts.

“I’m proud to say that Community Hospital is viewed as a well-respected voice representing rural healthcare at both a Nebraska and national level,” he said.