June 28, 2013—The National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (NAPH), which was instrumental in the 340B drug discount program’s creation and remains one of its chief proponents, has changed its name to America’s Essential Hospitals to emphasize its members’ mission as providers of “high-quality and innovative care to all, including the most vulnerable.”[ms-protect-content id=”2799”]
The group, which began with five hospitals and now has more than 200 members, was established in 1981. Its president for its first 30 years, Larry Gage, was a driving force behind 340B’s enactment in 1992 and hospitals’ inclusion in the program. Safety Net Hospitals for Pharmaceutical Access (SNHPA), which represents both public and private nonprofit hospitals in the program, grew out of NAPH’s Public Hospital Pharmacy Coalition.
Announcing the name change on June 27, America’s Essential Hospitals President and CEO Dr. Bruce Siegel said, “Today we take an important step forward in our growth and that of our membership.”
“We and our members are united by a common purpose: to serve all people and all communities with essential services and the best care possible,” he said. “This is what defines us and the hospitals and health systems we represent.”
Thomas Traylor, who chairs the group’s board and is a vice president of Boston Medical Center, said the new name underscores its member hospitals’ role in responding to crises such as the April Boston Marathon bombings and last year’s Hurricane Sandy.
“Our hospitals have always been on the frontlines of the response to tragedies, such as these,” he said. “And we embrace this essential and special role, just as we embrace our historical commitment to the day-to-day work of delivering exceptional care to all people in the communities we serve.”[/ms-protect-content]