Sen. Lou Correa Honored for Efforts to Improve Access to Health Care Services

Orange County Senator Receives CHA Health Care Champion Award

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sen. Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) is being honored by the California Hospital Association (CHA) for his continuing efforts to expand access and improve the quality and safety of patient care. Sen. Correa is the recipient of CHA's Health Care Champion Award, presented to select elected officials who demonstrate exceptional leadership on behalf of California's hospitals and the patients they serve. The award was presented during a special ceremony hosted by the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) in Orange County.

"Sen. Correa has been a tireless champion of both patients and health care providers," said CHA President and CEO C. Duane Dauner.  "As a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and as a leading member in the State Legislature, Sen. Correa has consistently demonstrated his commitment to improving access to safe, high-quality patient care throughout the state."  

"Locally, Sen. Correa was instrumental in efforts to expand funding for the Medical Services Initiative (MSI) program, preserving necessary support for the health care providers that serve the uninsured, thereby preserving access to health care for the MSI program," Dauner added.  Sen. Correa has also been critical in efforts to secure funding to expand timely treatment and capacity for those suffering mental health emergencies, freeing up emergency room space for others needing emergency services.

In accepting the CHA award, Sen. Correa noted that providing access to quality health care has been a hallmark of his career.   "It is an honor to receive this award," stated the Senator.  "Access to care is one of the greatest challenges we face today.  Locally and in Sacramento, elected officials need to collaborate with and be responsive to the needs of hospitals and physicians as we strive to bridge the gap between now and 2014, when we will see universal access through federal health care reform."

As one of the largest health care trade associations in the nation, CHA represents more than 400 hospitals and health systems in California.  The association provides its members with public policy development, issues management and legislative advocacy services at the state and federal levels.  CHA has offices in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

The Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) represents 160 hospitals which operate a total of 41,000 beds in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Our mission is to serve the political, economic, informational and educational needs of hospitals in our regions, and improve the quality and accessibility of health care services and thereby improving the health status of communities.

SOURCE Hospital Association of Southern California