(Oct. 31, 2025) – Last week, I had the chance to attend the Kansas Hospital Association's Advocacy All-Stars Program in Topeka. If you're unfamiliar with this program, it's a multi-day event that immerses Kansas hospital leaders in the world of state, federal and local advocacy. KHA launched the Advocacy All-Stars Program three years ago and has had more than 60 Kansas health care advocates participate statewide.
Participants spent the week hearing directly from state and federal officials, agency leaders, legislative staff and advocacy veterans, each offering candid insights into how advocacy works behind the scenes. One of the most memorable opportunities was a hands-on bill hearing and advocacy simulation, where class members stepped into the shoes of both grassroots advocates and conferees to experience what it's really like to advocate at the Capitol.
The program emphasizes KHA's Mission "to be the leading advocate and resource for members." One way to support this mission is by fostering engagement in Advocacy. The KHA Advocacy All-Stars Program builds on that mission by equipping hospital leaders with the knowledge and skills to advocate for their patients, communities and the health care system as a whole. Whether it's reducing administrative barriers like prior authorization delays or ensuring fair reimbursement rates, Kansas hospitals provide invaluable frontline experience that helps policymakers make better-informed decisions.
KHA's legislative advocacy efforts are vital for establishing a supportive public policy environment that enables Kansas hospitals to stay resilient, ensure access to care and ultimately create a healthier state.
We couldn't be more proud of this year's Advocacy All-Star graduates, who will apply their training at the upcoming KHA Advocacy Day on Jan. 22, 2026, in Topeka.
Front Row: Alisha Herrman (Edwards County Medical Center), Julie Crimmins (Clay County Medical Center), Anita Walden (Freeman Fort Scott), Janelle Kircher (Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems), Alicia Sorenson (Amberwell Health Atchison), Melinda Hageman (Kingman Healthcare Center), Cody Ray (Greenwood County Hospital).
Row 2: Alyson Krehbiel (Prairie View), Sarah Evans-Simpson (Stormont Vail Health), Marley Koons (Kearny County Hospital), Tina Palic (Nemaha Valley Community Hospital), Audrey Hill (AdventHealth), Heidi Pickerell (F.W. Huston Medical Center).
Row 3: Alison Kerl (Amberwell Hiawatha), Tara Overmiller (Phillips County Health Systems), Kristi Roush (Holton Community Hospital), Vicky McGrath (Kansas State Nurses Association), Jennifer Thompson (Rawlins County Health Center), Sandy Cain (Southwest Medical Center), Melissa King (Ascension Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc.).
Row 4: George Stover (Rice Community Health), Summer Demmel (McPherson Center for Health), Aimee Zimmerman (Logan County Health Services), Autumn Bishop (LMH Health), Chris Ellis (Minneola Healthcare), Justin Cook (AdventHealth), Madisyn Schmitz (Marting Law), Dr. Dan Kuhlman (Citizens Health), Sarah Gideon (Health Innovations Network of Kansas), Stacy Augustyn (Coffey County Hospital), Stephanie Simmons (Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems).
Congratulations to this year's KHA Advocacy All-Stars for their commitment to building a healthier community.
If you haven't taken part in the KHA Advocacy All-Stars Program yet, think about joining next year's class. See how advocacy training can strengthen your voice, your hospital and your community.
--Chad Austin