(Aug. 23, 2024) – Earlier this month, Kansans engaged in civic duties and participated in the 2024 Kansas Primary Elections. Candidates from across the state worked feverishly by participating in community parades, attending local forums and walking door-to-door in the humid Kansas summer heat. This year, each of the 165 Kansas Senate and House members was up for election. However, only 41 legislative races had a competitive primary. While the election results will not be official until they are certified by the State Board of Canvassers on Aug. 28, attention has already shifted to the Nov. 5 general elections. The highly anticipated presidential and congressional races will capture the attention of the political pundits and the public. However, we must not overlook the local races and the impact the outcomes of these races will have on Kansas health care and hospitals. The Kansas Hospital Association is making available several upcoming events for the membership to learn about and engage in our advocacy efforts.
The KHA Annual Convention kicks off with our annual Political Advocacy and Grassroots Breakfast, where Charlie Cook will discuss today's political and legislative environments, provide insights into the latest from our national leaders, review the interplay between Congressional Democrats and Republicans and provide an expert outlook for what will happen in Washington this year. Cook has been a trusted and accurate voice on all things political for more than three decades. He is the editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report and a political analyst for the National Journal Group.
In addition, KHA's Convention is a perfect time to give to the KHA Political Action Committee. State and federal governments pay for more than half of hospital care in Kansas and regulate 100 percent of our activities. Those are the main reasons why the work of KHA and KHA-PAC is so important. Elected individuals with a passion and understanding of hospitals' unique role in their communities are critical. Your contributions to the KHA-PAC are used to support those who champion our issues. Please commit to helping us achieve the best possible political outcomes. KHA-PAC events include our long-standing silent auction and a wine/bourbon pull. It is not too late to donate to either of these KHA-PAC fundraisers.
Another essential part of our advocacy efforts is encouraging members to participate and vote. We invite you to use our ready-made 2024 We CARE We VOTE Campaign to mobilize your hospital's employees in this important election year. We CARE We VOTE is a statewide initiative to empower and educate health care workers about how they can get out and vote during the 2024 elections. The campaign encourages hospital employees to participate in the 2024 elections to show elected officials and candidates we care – for our patients, our communities and our local and state economies. Kansas hospital employees can make a difference with their votes and voices as advocates for better health. KHA is here to support those efforts, and we encourage you to use the 2024 We CARE We VOTE advocacy toolkit to promote the importance of electing leaders who prioritize healthy Kansas populations and healthy Kansas economies.
KHA also is collaborating with other health care organizations, including the Kansas Medical Society, LeadingAge Kansas and the Kansas Pharmacist Association, to sponsor a "Meet and Greet" for candidates in South Central Kansas from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the Kansas Leadership Center, 325 E. Douglas Ave. Wichita. If you want to get to know candidates for the House of Representatives or State Senate in the South Central Kansas area, we invite you to send your RSVP with your name and hospital to Lorri Dean or call (785) 276-3109.
Lastly, KHA still accepts nominations for the 2024 KHA Advocacy All-Star Training. This program prepares hospital advocates to engage in the advocacy process. You can learn more about the program through this KHA video. The dates and locations for this program are:
Session 1 – Oct. 15 and 16, 2024 – Topeka, KS
Session 2 – Jan. 23, 2025 – KHA Advocacy Day, Topeka, KS
Politics and advocacy are widely described as team sports. We hope you will consider joining the KHA Advocacy Team by participating in one of the upcoming events or utilizing the materials to spread the word about the importance of voting in the upcoming election. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact us at the KHA office. Thank you in advance for being part of the KHA Advocacy Team!
--Chad Austin