FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON — America’s Essential Hospitals has selected Jason Pray, a health care policy professional with more than 24 years of experience in Washington, D.C., as its next vice president of legislative affairs.
Since 2010, Pray has served in multiple leadership positions with BlueCross BlueShield Association, most recently as an executive director of congressional relations. Before that, he spent 13 years lobbying and leading political and grassroots activities for the American Psychiatric Association.
“Jason brings considerable experience and expertise in health care policy and government relations to America’s Essential Hospitals,” said Beth Feldpush, DrPH, senior vice president of policy and advocacy. “He will be a strong advocate on Capitol Hill for our hospitals and their patients.”
At America’s Essential Hospitals, Pray will lead the legislative strategy and advocacy work of the 40-year-old association, whose more than 300 members serve underrepresented people who face barriers to care. Essential hospitals also provide a significant share of trauma care and other lifesaving services nationally and train about three times as many physicians as other hospitals.
“I’ve long admired the mission-driven work of those who advocate for essential hospitals and health systems, and I am excited to join the team at America’s Essential Hospitals,” Pray said of his new role. “The opportunity to advocate on behalf of these hospitals, the communities they serve, and the patients they care for truly is an honor.”
In addition to his professional activities, Pray serves as a volunteer and advisory board member for three Washington area charities: the Belfast-Beltway Boxing Project; The First Tee of Greater Washington, DC; and The Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Pray plans to begin his new role at America’s Essential Hospitals January 31.
# # #
About America’s Essential Hospitals
America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading champion for hospitals and health systems dedicated to high-quality care for all, including the most vulnerable. We support our more than 300 members with advocacy, policy development, research, and education. Communities depend on essential hospitals to provide specialized, lifesaving services; train the health care workforce; advance public health and health equity; and coordinate care. Essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead the way to more effective and efficient care. Learn more at essentialhospitals.org.
Contact:
Carl Graziano
cgraziano@essentialhospitals.org
202.585/0102