| September 1, 2009 | For More Information Contact: Andy Van Pelt 503-479-6018 |
Betty Johnson of Corvallis Named 2009 Recipient
The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) honored its third recipient of the Ellen C. Lowe Community Advocate Award during its annual membership meeting. This is the association's highest honor for a community member. This year's recipient is Betty Johnson from Corvallis, Oregon. She has been a community volunteer and health care advocate within Corvallis and around the state for more than 30 years. The award was presented by Ellen C. Lowe, OAHHS community advocate and inaugural recipient. In Mrs. Johnson's place to receive the award was fellow health care advocate Joseph Zaerr.
In the past several years, Mrs. Johnson had been heavily involved in the public dialogue that surrounds health care in Oregon. She served as state chair from 2000-2002 for HCAO which led the Measure 23 ballot initiative campaign for universal, single-payer health care. Also, she has organized numerous public forums to educate local residents about challenges facing the health care system in our state and developing possible solutions including the Archimedes Movement and SB 329.
"A full-time advocate for a healthy Oregon, Betty has particular talent for involving the wider community in developing profiles of need, possible remedies and a view of the many roads that might bridge the gap. We often talk about the need for public trust. Betty trusts the public enough to involve them," stated Lowe.
Most recently, Johnson has served on the Oregon Health Fund Board's Benefits Committee. Her influence helped shape the recommendations later adopted by the 2009 Legislature. Lowe continues, "Betty's state wide interests had her and her fellow Mid-Valley Health Advocates omnipresent during the Health Fund and subsequent legislative deliberations. They were usually in the front row and I looked forward to their positive expressions of interest."
"This is a very special award which I feel I share with all the health care advocates from the mid-valley area who have been so faithful in their efforts to improve affordability, access and quality of health care," commented Betty Johnson on receiving the award.
"Betty possesses all the qualities that embody this award," stated Kevin Earls, vice president of policy and advocacy for OAHHS. "She has the ability to connect with people where they are on any given issue and bring them along to see the big picture. Betty is not just an advocate for patients but all participants in the health care conversation. We are proud to honor her as a role model of success and leader in Oregon's health care dialogue."
About the Award: Started in 2007, The Ellen C. Lowe Community Advocate Award honors a community member for his or her unique, unusual or continuous support of a hospital mission and/or the health of its community. The recipient possesses compassion, understanding, wisdom and a clear vision to see to the core of community issues. This is an award for a community member and not a hospital employee.
About OAHHS: Founded in 1934, OAHHS is a statewide, nonprofit trade association that works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon's innovative health care delivery system.
OAHHS' current membership includes 59 acute care hospitals, 10 health systems and related health plans, 16 affiliated allied organizations and 32 associate members representing health care consulting and other professional service companies.
EXCERPT FROM EVENT PROGRAM:
Up until her retirement in 1987, Mrs. Johnson was the director of Senior Services, the designated area agency of aging for Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. Previously, she was responsible for developing an array of services for the elderly, including hospice, adult-day health, home care, senior meals, and transportation services. She was also responsible for administering long-term care services for persons eligible for Medicaid in the three counties.
In the past several years, Mrs. Johnson had been heavily involved in the public dialogue that surrounds health care in Oregon. She served as state chair from 2000-2002 for HCAO which led the Measure 23 ballot initiative campaign for universal, single-payer health care. Also, she has organized numerous public forums to educate local residents about challenges facing the health care system in our state and developing possible solutions including the Archimedes Movement and SB 329.
While involved with the Archimedes Movement, Mrs. Johnson serves as coordinator of the Corvallis chapter. With this leadership role, she has coordinated numerous educational activities to help hundreds or local residents understand the complexities within the health care system, formulate and advocate for their recommendations on how to improve health care in Oregon. Her principle has always been to contribute to, if not start dialogue around a high quality, sustainable and affordable health care system for all Oregonians.
Most recently, Mrs. Johnson served on the Oregon Health Fund Board Benefits Committee. As a member she was instrumental in developing a benefits package that was part of the OHFB list of recommendations presented to the 2009 Legislative Assembly.
Because of Mrs. Johnson's continued grassroots advocacy efforts to influence the health care debate in our state and to be a leader for others within her community, OAHHS is proud to name Betty Johnson the 2009 Ellen C. Lowe Community Advocate Award recipient.
Due to a scheduling conflict, Mrs. Johnson has asked fellow health care advocate and member of the Archimedes Movement Leadership Council, Joe Zaerr to accept the award on her behalf.
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