1. American Hospital Association By: Joel Thomas

2. Background Formed in 1898 the AMA has been serving the American people for years by providing education to healthcare providers and being a source of Information on health care issues and trends. First called the Association of Hospital Superintendents of US and Canada formed when hospitals were just beginning to emerge a group of Hospital Administrators came together and began this coalition of hospitals. Together these administrators would begin to slowly expand this organization.

3. Purpose The vision of the AHA is to help make a society filled with healthy communities where all individuals can reach their highest potential. The main focus of the modern day AHA is to constantly inform people on updates in healthcare reform and other health related policies. Another focus of the organization is to make sure everyone's voice is heard and all perspectives are seen by others.

4. Members Anyone from any Hospital or Healthcare related service can become a member of the AHA. All they have to do is fill out an application form and pay the $100 membership fee. Being a member many befits such as discounts at stores and resturants and places of entertainment.

5. Major Issues & Focuses One of AHA’s modern issues is Medicare and how changes to the policies affect the lives of those who work at hospitals all throughout the continent. Another problem is the work force making sure all the hospital staff apart of AHA are happy and if they have any complaints to help their voice be heard.

6. Website The website that for the AHA is called AHA.org The Website itself constantly referrers to how important hospitals are to society and why they are important. They really advertise letting your voice be heard and making a difference.