2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 81

Commending Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 5, 2026

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 9, 2026

WHEREAS, for 100 years, the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association has served as a trusted voice and partner in improving the health of all Virginians, advocating for policies and programs that further the interests of its hospital and health system members in support of their missions to address the health care needs of the communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) was founded in 1926 to unite hospitals and health systems across the Commonwealth in the shared mission of advancing hospital care and improving the health of all Virginians; and

WHEREAS, over the course of its history, VHHA's member hospitals and health systems have grown to become top-five employers in many Virginia communities, with more than 100 hospitals employing over 130,000 dedicated professionals who provide lifesaving care and advanced, state-of-the-art medical treatment; and

WHEREAS, these VHHA member facilities deliver more than $4.5 billion annually in community benefit, including uncompensated care, community wellness investments, taxes, and charitable contributions, and generate $68.8 billion in positive economic impact across the Commonwealth every year; and

WHEREAS, VHHA and its members have coordinated with federal and state leaders, public health agencies, and community partners to develop sound health policy, ensure access to affordable care and essential health services, strengthen the health care safety net, enhance the quality of services, improve patient safety, grow the health care workforce, address behavioral health needs, reduce disparities in access to care, inform and educate the public about health issues, and ensure preparedness for emergencies, ranging from natural disasters to global pandemics; and

WHEREAS, VHHA's 100th anniversary provides an opportunity to honor the organization's legacy of leadership and service, recognize the extraordinary contributions of Virginia's hospitals and health care workers, and reaffirm the Commonwealth's commitment to ensuring the sustainability of hospitals and health systems for future generations, thus improving the health of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association on the occasion of its 100th anniversary for faithfully serving the health care needs of the Commonwealth and supporting its members in their mission to promote health and wellness; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the board of directors of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and gratitude for the organization's advocacy and meaningful impact on the lives of all Virginians.