FHA President Named One of the Most Influential People in Florida Politics

9/29/2022 1:11:48 PM

Mary C. Mayhew, President and CEO, featured in the Influence 150, by Florida Politics

Mary is recognized as an industry leader for her effective advocacy and collaborative efforts. Excerpt below.

MARY MAYHEW | INDUSTRY LEADER

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the health care workforce, from critical shortages and staff burnout and rising labor costs – all of which continue to have a significant impact on delivering safe and effective patient care. When nursing homes, hospitals, home health providers, and others set out to elevate these issues through the Florida Health Care Workforce Coalition, we knew that the Florida Hospital Association's Mary Mayhew would be the kind of strong leader needed to have an impact on awareness and change.

We were absolutely right. Mayhew has made these challenges a focal point for policymakers. She has been a driving force in developing solutions to rebuild the direct care workforce and train the next generation of nurses, ensuring high-quality care for those in need - now and into the future.

Her effective advocacy and collaborative skills helped secure $125 million in the state budget, vital resources that will expand the capacity of nursing school programs and increase the supply of future graduates. Strengthening the connections between health care providers and community and technical colleges, public universities, and other nursing education programs will support the recruitment and retention programs of Florida hospitals and other providers and help them meet the needs of their communities.

With years of experience dealing with the many challenges that face health care in Florida, Mayhew understands that growing our direct care workforce will not only help lessen the workforce crisis we're all experiencing, but also benefit the health outcomes of Floridians to come.

- Emmett Reed, CEO, Florida Health Care Association

View President Mayhew and the other influential players in the state in Florida Politics’ Influence 150.