The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, has awarded Christine C. Schuster, RN, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of Emerson Hospital, with the American Hospital Association Grassroots Champions Award. As a 2017 Grassroots Champion, Schuster was recognized for her exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of the hospital’s mission.
The American Hospital Association Grassroots Champions Award was created to recognize hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect 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 is a tireless advocate for the hospital and its patients.
In addition to her role at Emerson Hospital, Schuster is currently a Vice Chair of the Massachusetts Council of Community Hospitals and was recently named to the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association. She is also a Delegate to the AHA’s Regional Policy Board 1 where she participates in shaping and carrying out AHA policy.
“During this time of health care transformation, Christine has focused on educating lawmakers about what it takes to provide quality care, preserve jobs, and sustain hospitals for the benefit of patients and the communities they serve,” said Jack Barry, New England Regional Executive for AHA. “We truly appreciate her efforts on Beacon Hill, on Capitol Hill and in the community.”
The Grassroots Champions award is presented annually to one individual from each state, with winners being chosen by the state association. Schuster has led Emerson Hospital since 2005 and is a long-time resident of Sudbury, Massachusetts.
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The American Hospital Association (AHA) is the national organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, healthcare networks, and their patients and communities. Nearly 5,000 hospitals, healthcare systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members come together to form the AHA. Through our representation and advocacy activities, AHA ensures that members' perspectives and needs are heard and addressed in national health policy development, legislative and regulatory debates, and judicial matters. Our advocacy efforts include the legislative and executive branches and include the legislative and regulatory arenas. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA Web site at www.aha.org.
The Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization comprised of hospitals and health systems, related organizations, and other members with a common interest in promoting the good health of the people of the Commonwealth. Through leadership in public advocacy, education, and information, MHA represents and advocates for the collective interests of its members and supports their efforts to provide high quality, cost effective and accessible care. Visit www.mhalink.org for more information.
Emerson Hospital is a multi-site health system headquartered in Concord, Mass., with additional facilities in Sudbury, Groton and Westford, and urgent care centers in Hudson and Littleton. The 179-bed hospital provides advanced medical services to more than 300,000 individuals in 25 towns. To learn more, visit www.emersonhospital.org.
