The Indiana Hospital Association has presented one of its two highest awards to Denise Dillard, Methodist Hospitals’ Chief Consultant for Government Relations and External Affairs. Ms. Dillard received the IHA Award of Merit for her exemplary service to health care. This award is given to an individual, other than a hospital CEO, who has made noteworthy contributions to the health care field and has demonstrated a devotion to the interests and goals of hospitals and the humanitarian services they provide.
“Denise brings a unique perspective as she represents advocacy to hospitals, and it is critical to have people like Denise to never overlook our mission,” said Doug Leonard, IHA president.
“Denise has been a tremendous advocate for hospitals and for health policy that can provide a better future to youth and the under-served in our area,” said Dr. Michael Davenport, Methodist Hospitals President and Interim CEO. “She has been a pioneer in the effort to identify the barriers that create health disparities in our region, and has played a leading role in working to develop programs and initiatives to address them. On behalf of the whole Methodist Hospitals family, I congratulate Denise on this well-deserved recognition.”
The IHA Award of Merit was presented to Ms Dillard during the IHA’s Annual Membership meeting, held October 28-30 in Indianapolis. The award ceremony also featured a video of comments in praise of Ms. Dillard’s contributions to the field made by other leaders in Indiana health care.
As Chief Consultant, of Government and External Affairs at Methodist Hospitals, Ms. Doilard’s work is focused on economic development, education and equal access to services. Her experience spans the arenas of profit, non-profit, and public service, with concentration on legislation and public policy. Ms. Dillard earned a Baccalaureate in Economics and Political Science, Howard University, Washington, D.C., and a Master’s in Public Policy Administration, Indiana University School of Public and Environment Affairs, with Certificate in Negotiations, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. She has been recognized with several awards, including the NAACP Image Award, Who’s Who in Indiana and Influential Women of NWI 2013 Community Leader of the Year. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, American Hospital Association, and Indiana Hospital Association.
About Methodist Hospitals
Methodist Hospitals is a community-based, not-for-profit health system with two full-service acute care facilities in Gary and Merrillville, Indiana, that has been leading the way to better health for residents of Northwest Indiana for almost 100 years. Methodist Hospitals offers a number of award – winning programs, including its Neuroscience, Oncology, Heart and Vascular Institutes and Breast Care Center. Its range of services also includes Bariatric Surgery services, Emergency & Trauma services, Orthopedics & Spine services, comprehensive Rehabilitation services, Behavioral Health and Home Health Services.
About the Indiana Hospital Association
IHA is a non-profit organization that serves as the professional trade association for 164 Hoosier hospitals. These members are either independent or a member of one of the 23 systems in the state. Membership includes hospitals, multi-hospital systems and community mental health centers. The mission of the IHA is to provide leadership, representation and services in the common best interests of its members as they promote the improvement of community health status. IHA’s primary responsibility is to represent the interests of hospitals in matters of public policy. IHA also provides members with education, communications and data collection services.