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From Left: Jim Mattes, president and CEO, Grande Ronde Hospital, accepts recognition as the Grassroots Champion for Oregon from Robin Moody, associate vice president of public policy, Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, and Rich Umbdenstock, American Hospital Association president and CEO at the AHA Annual Membership meeting in Washington, D.C. last May.

July 28, 2014–Grande Ronde Hospital was notified by the American Hospital Association (AHA) this spring that Jim Mattes, President and CEO of Grande Ronde Hospital (GRH) was awarded as their Grassroots Champion 2014 for exceptional leadership in generating community and legislative activity in support of the hospital's mission.

The Grassroots Champion award is presented annually by the AHA, in partnership with the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) to one individual from each state. Honorees are chosen by each state association. The 2014 honorees were recognized at a special Breakfast of Grassroots Champions at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting held in Washington, DC, in May 2014.

The award singles out one hospital leader from each state who, over the previous year, effectively delivered the hospital message and advocated tirelessly on behalf of patients, hospitals and the community. The American Hospital Association Grassroots Champions Award was created to recognize those hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, and 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.

“We depend upon strong voices like yours to help tell the story of hospitals as cornerstones of the communities they serve,” said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO. “This award is a small token of our appreciation for your hard work and dedication to improving health and health care in America.”

The OAHHS Grassroots Champion crystal trophy was also awarded to Mattes at Associations’ annual meeting held in Bend earlier this month.

Mattes, who has served as the CEO of GRH since 1983, was elected to the OAHHS Board in June 2014. He is currently serving as Chair-Elect and as committee chair of the Public Policy Committee. He sees his leadership role at the state level as a terrific opportunity to give greater voice to the crucial role that rural Critical Access Hospitals play to improving health care in our local communities.