OHA - PAC

Dear OHA-PAC Hospital Coordinator:

Enclosed are your hospital’s materials for this year’s OHA-PAC campaign. Thank you for your willingness to invest time and energy into this worthwhile cause. These materials are designed to assist you in your individual fundraising efforts. You may wish to adapt some of the enclosed samples to meet your specific needs.

During the OHA-PAC annual meeting we will be recognizing those hospitals that have met their PAC goal. In addition, we will honor those individuals and hospitals that have made significant contributions to the OHA-PAC.

• Those donating $350 or more become members of the OHA-PAC and AHA-PAC Capitol Clubs

and are treated to a luncheon in their honor during the AHA annual meeting in Washington, D.D.

• In addition to the benefits of Capitol Club membership, a $500 contribution entitles AHA

Chairman’s Circle members to an exclusive reception and preferred seating at the Capitol Club luncheon, held during the AHA’s annual meeting. Members also receive the Chairman’s Circle lapel pin and special recognition from AHA.

• Those donating $1,000 or more become members of the OHA-PAC and AHA-PAC Ben Franklin Club. Membership in the Ben Franklin Club entitles you to a special exclusive reception at the AHA Annual Convention, A special lapel pin and special recognition from the AHA.

The best way for you to kick off your hospital’s fundraising drive is for you to make the first donation. Your contribution will indicate to others that you personally support participation in the political process, and that you understand that decisions made in the state and federal political environments greatly impact your hospital’s continued ability to provide quality care to its patients.

If you need assistance, suggestions or more information pertaining to PAC fundraising, please do not hesitate to contact Craig Jones, Lynne White, or Melanie Morriss at OHA, (405) 427-9537, or call OHA- PAC president, Jim Berry at (405) 527-2207. Members of the OHA-PAC board , the OHA board of trustees, and its council on policy and legislation are also available to speak to your management team, your trustees or others about the importance of your hospital’s participation in the political process.

Sincerely, Craig W. Jones Lynne S. White President Government Relations & Political Action

2003

OHA-PAC Campaign PAC Coordinator Handouts

This PowerPoint resides on the OHA website, www.okoha.com , under the Legislative button listed as Grassroots Advocacy. These slide notes are for use in making OHA-PAC presentations. If you have any questions, contact Patti Davis, Lynne White or Marie Hailey at (405) 427-9537.

Slide 1

Oklahoma Hospital Association Political Action Committee

Campaign

the art of looking for trouble, finding it incorrectly,

ll ying the wrong remedies.”

– Marx

Politics are so complex, especially today, that most people tend to avoid them. However, the political system, regardless of its flaws, is the system we have in place, and it is in our best interest to understand it, be involved with it, and have some control over what it brings to our locality. The Oklahoma Hospital Association Political Action Committee (OHA- PAC) is a precision tool for that involvement, and this presentation will help you understand how it works.

Slide 2

“Speaking or writing in support of something”-Webster

based upon relationships

z Iseveryone’s job

z Relies upon your personal involvement

OHA member hospitals consistently list advocacy as the association’s priority on their behalf. Webster defines advocacy as “speaking or writing in support of something”. Being effective with our legislative leaders is based upon personal relationships, so it’s everyone’s job to know who their elected officials are and to nurture those relationships. Don’t rely upon your neighboring hospitals and their employees to look after your hospital’s interest legislatively.

Slide 3

OHA-PAC – W hat is

Directed Board

AHA tt

ll rules

OHA-PAC is an officially organized political action committee that is governed by the OHA-PAC Board of Directors. The OHA-PAC board makes recommendations to the OHA Board of Directors. The OHA Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for all actions of the OHA-PAC. OHA- PAC is a joint PAC with the American Hospital Association and we comply with both state and federal ethics rules.

Slide 4

OHA-PAC – Who doesit support?

z Legislators who issuesz Based on voting records

ncumbents vs. races

The OHA-PAC Board makes recommendations on disbursement policies that are ultimately approved by the OHA Board of Directors. Disbursements for incumbents are based upon past voting records on key hospital and healthcare issues. OHA-PAC does not contribute to open races or state-wide campaigns. OHA-PAC does not support elected officials whose voting records indicate they don’t support our industry.

OHA-PAC Campaign PAC Coordinator Handouts

Slide 5

– W ho can give?

z Salaried Staff

z Hourly staff limited to state campaigns

State and federal ethics rules govern how political campaigns are financed. According to these rules, since OHA-PAC is a joint PAC with AHA, salaried hospital staff and trustees may make personal contributions. Hourly staff may also make personal contributions, but these contributions are limited to state disbursements only.

Slide 6

OHA-PAC –Why should I give?

z Buys access, not votes z

supports

z Investment in YOUR future

z Legislation affects your hospital 24/7

PAC dollars never buy votes but they do help gain access to elected officials. Elected officials are mindful of support that is received from all sources. Those who oppose our issues financially support elected officials, and we must do likewise in order to gain equal access. Participating in the PAC is a necessary part of the legislative process. PAC dollars are an investment in your job and your hospital’s future, and should be understood in that way. The legislative process affects every area of your job in the hospital, from financing government programs, like Medicare, Medicaid, and workers compensation, to the regulating of healthcare delivery by state and federal agencies.

Slide 7

OHA-PAC – How can I give?

z Personal

z Automatic bank drafts

z Credit cards

z Cash Paid Days Off

Ethics laws prohibit corporations from contributing to political campaigns, therefore, OHA-PAC cannot accept contributions from hospitals. However, with authorization from the hospital CEO, we can accept personal contributions from individuals in the hospital industry who seek to invest in their jobs and their industry. Checks and credit cards are accepted, and automatic bank drafts are a convenient alternative. Hospitals can even allow employees to cash in paid-days-off to write personal checks to the OHA-PAC. And, of course, cash also works.

How do wespend your OHA-PAC

z z Commit to

ii ,, ll pr mary run-off, genera

z $$$ AHA input

Slide 8

100% of your contribution to OHA-PAC goes to elected officials who are supportive of our issues. On the federal level, congressional disbursements are allocated by AHA with OHA’s input. On the state level, campaign contributions depend entirely upon our members’ contributions. In the last election cycle, OHA-PAC spent over $69,000 on state races. We commit to support candidates through each election cycle, so it is possible to contribute to a candidate for the primary, run-off, and general election.

OHA-PAC Campaign PAC Coordinator Handouts

Slide 9

OHA-PAC “Show me the money”

over disbursements district

look at our ethics for

Every hospital whose employees participate in OHA-PAC has the opportunity to hand-carry an OHA-PAC campaign contribution check to their local candidate. This allows you and your hospital the ability to be involved in state and local public policy issues on a personal level. Some elected officials study ethics reports to find out who from their districts contribute to OHA-PAC. OHA-PAC is a tool you can use to become vested in your hospital’s political future.

Slide 10

OHA-PAC – Use it!

“Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and their politicians as a joke.” – W ill Rogers

We hope this presentation has helped you understand the OHA-PAC. It doesn’t take a large contribution to make a big difference. There is strength in numbers, and if each member contributes a minimum amount, it will have a maximum impact. The most gratifying benefit of supporting your PAC is knowing that while government has many problems, you have chosen to be part of the solution. This quote from Will Rogers in the 1930’s has become almost a truism today, and while we have to laugh to keep from crying over the complex problems in healthcare today, we must seriously support our legislators as they try to find solutions. OHA-PAC is your tool – use it!

2014 OHA-PAC Board Officers: President James Berry, CEO, Purcell Municipal Hospital, Purcell Vice President Shelly Dunham, CEO, Okeene Municipal Hospital Chairman Craig W. Jones, President, Oklahoma Hospital Association Secretary/Treasurer Rick Snyder, V.P. Finance & Information Services, Oklahoma

Hospital Association Regional Representatives:

Oklahoma City James Moore INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center, OKC

(2016)

Southeast Kent Rogers, CEO, Mercy Hospital, Ada (2016)

Northeast Jerry Moeller, President, Stillwater Medical Center (2014)

Northwest Shelly Dunham, CEO Okeene Municipal Hospital (2014)

Tulsa Richard Boone, President, St. John Foundation, Tulsa (2015)

Southwest Corey Lively, CEO, Elkview General Hospital, Hobart (2015)

A Guide to Effective OHA-PAC Solicitation The most effective method for any kind of fundraising is one-on-one, face-to-face solicitation. This method is most persuasive because it is more difficult to say "no" to someone who is standing in front of you, looking you in the eye. On the contrary, it is much easier to refuse to accept a telephone call or to discard a piece of mail. One-on-one solicitation allows you to answer questions about how OHA-PAC works and why it is important for Oklahoma's hospitals to be involved in the political process through political action committee contributions. Tips for one-on-one solicitation

Contribute to the OHA-PAC Yourself Actions speak louder than words! Your personal contribution to OHA-PAC clearly indicates your support of the OHA-PAC. And, you cannot make a truly effective case for PAC contributions if you have not contributed yourself. Once you have done so, the next step is to educate your administrative staff, department heads, board members and volunteers about the importance of OHA-PAC to the future of your hospital. This can be accomplished during a group meeting with them, a one-on-one discussion, or can be explained using a form letter similar to the samples enclosed in this package of materials. Individuals should also understand that giving to OHA-PAC is strictly voluntary.

Be Prepared Know as much as you can about the person you are soliciting before contacting them. For example, know whether or not they have given to the OHA-PAC in the past and if so, how much they have given, what job they hold and which is- sues interest them most.

Introduce Yourself Give your credentials as they relate to the PAC � i.e., how many years you have wrked with the hospital or association…how many years you have been a supporter of the PAC…what title you hold with the PAC or association.

Make a Connection to the Individual Based on your research, try to make a personal connection with the prospect. Think about what you have in common: work, home town, common issues or interests, a mutual acquaintance, age of children, etc. Remember, a good solicitation will depend on the rapport between the solicitor and the prospect.

Tell the Individual Why You Are Calling/Meeting Don't apologize for discussing or calling about the PAC. Thank him/her for giving you a few minutes to discuss why PAC is so important to hospitals and health systems.

Make Your Case Clearly Explain why giving to the PAC is so important. Do not assume your prospect understands the connection between the PAC and his or her work.

Suggested Messages:

• Hospitals and health systems need a voice in Congress and in our state Legislature, where key decisions that impact health care are being made every day. OHA-PAC can give us this voice by helping to elect officials at the state and federal levels who are willing to stand up for our concerns.

• An average of 40 percent of hospital budgets comes from Medicare and Medicaid. How much these programs pay providers is based on decisions made in our state Legislature and in Congress. We need to make sure that these decision-makers understand the important role hospitals play.

• Our hospital, employees, and patients clearly benefit when elected officials are willing to listen to health care concerns.

• Other interest groups, often with conflicting concerns, have seen the benefit of their political action committees and their positive effects on lobbying efforts. These groups' contributions to candidates have far surpassed past contributions to the OHA-PAC.

Ask An Open-ended Question & Listen Ask the individual a question that will enable you to learn what is of concern to him/her. This added information will help you make the best case for contributing to the OHA-PAC.

• Examples: Have you ever been approached before about participating in the OHA-PAC? • Have you ever been active in politics? • Did you follow the new legislation that was recently introduced? • Have you heard about efforts to abolish the confidentiality of our present peer review

process?

Allow the prospect to ask you questions about the PAC.

Ask for the Contribution

Ask for a specific amount – people want to know what is expected of them. Don't be afraid to ask for a Ben Franklin ($1,000), Chairman's Circle ($500) or Capitol Club ($350) contribution. If the prospect gave last year, remind him/her how much they gave and ask the person to consider a specific amount. You may want to divide your hospital's goal by the number of people you wish to solicit and ask for that amount (i.e. $500 goal/25 employees = $25 individual contribution); or you may decide to ask for a different amount from each "type" of employee, trustee, etc. Often, people do not contribute because they are afraid of giving "too little." Therefore, whichever method you use, it is important to emphasize that any contribution, regardless of the amount, is appreciated.

Stop After you ask for a specific amount of money, one of the hardest parts is simply to stop. You have asked a question, and you now must wait for an answer. This can be tough, but try to resist the temptation to fill the long moment of silence that may result while prospective donors consider your request. The only way to find out an answer to your question is to wait for a reply.

Confirm the Pledge or a Date for a Follow-Up Call If you are unable to confirm a specific amount for a contribution, make a specific date for a follow-up phone call or meeting.

Follow Up On Any Specific Request If you agreed to send any additional materials to the prospect, make sure you follow up on the specific request.

Say Thank You Every individual contribution–no matter how small or large–should be recognized and appreciated. Remember, the end of your solicitation today is the beginning of your solicitation for next year. So, remember to say thanks!

Other Fundraising Ideas NOTE: Some hospitals across the country have raised PAC monies by con- ducting special fundraising events, such as raffles, and tennis and golf tournaments. More information about organizing these functions can be obtained by contacting OHA.

• These types of creative special events are good employee motivators and morale boosters, and are limited only by your imagination. A promise to treat all OHA-PAC contributors to lunch or dinner, or to a complimentary lunch or dessert in the cafeteria, might work just as well in your particular situation. Only you can be the judge of what will work best for you.

• You should let your employees know that your hospital's success in regards to OHA-PAC will be recognized during the OHA-PAC annual business meeting.

All PAC contributions should be sent directly to OHA-PAC, 4000 Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. You may prefer to forward all of your hospital's contributions at once, along with the enclosed OHA-PAC Contributor Check-Off Sheet. Prior to mailing your hospital's contributions to OHA, be sure that each contributor has completed the OHA-PAC Contribution Card, attached to each OHA-PAC brochure, so that each donation can be properly documented according to Federal Election Commission's guidelines. Good luck with your fundraising campaign!!!! If you need assistance or more information, please do not hesitate to contact Lynne White or Craig Jones at OHA, (405) 427-9537.

Suggested Steps for Launching an Effective OHA-PAC Campaign

Read the materials under "Solicitation Guidelines." If you have questions or need clarification, contact

Lynne White, Sandra Harrison or Craig Jones at OHA (405) 427-9537.

Designate a hospital coordinator to oversee your hospital's in-house campaign for hospital management staff, trustees and volunteers.

Make your own contribution first.

View the OHA-PAC Grassroots Advocacy Power Point Presentation with your PAC coordinator, then launch your OHA-PAC campaign with a party! Invite all health care personnel, trustees and volunteers who can be solicited for OHA-PAC. Have your coordinator present the Power Point slideshow to them. Generate enthusiasm by challenging them to become OHA-PAC members with a contribution of $25. Provide a reward for 100% participation.

Make a list of all health care personnel, trustees and volunteers being solicited for OHA-PAC on the enclosed OHA-PAC Contributor Check-Off Sheet. Use this sheet to check off contributions when they are returned to the CEO's office.

Distribute a letter from the hospital CEO, on OHA-PAC stationery or on the CEO's personal stationery, to department heads and administrative staff, trustees and volunteers. (No hospital funds can be used to underwrite PAC fundraising activities including mailing costs.) Enclose an OHA-PAC brochure and the flyer entitled, "Frequently Asked Questions." Identify a fundraising deadline for your hospital and emphasize the need for contributions to be received by this deadline.

Please make sure personal checks are made out to "OHA-PAC," signed by the payee, and that the contribution cards are entirely filled out. If the contributor has elected the automatic bank draft method of contribution, make sure they have filled out and signed the authorization agreement. Check to make sure that the "Hospital/Organization to Receive Credit" line on the contribution card is also completed.

Follow up with a personal memo or request to those individuals whom you have solicited but who have not yet responded to your first request.

Promptly forward your hospital's contributions and your Contribution Check-Off Sheet to OHA-PAC, 4000 Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Our deadline to receive all contributions is September 30 to be recognized at OHA’s Annual Convention.

Send a letter of thanks to your contributors, expressing your gratitude for their support of the OHA-PAC. You may use OHA-PAC stationery, cards or personal stationery.

Be recognized among your hospital colleagues during the OHA-PAC annual meeting for achieving your goal!!

OHA-PAC Supply Request Form

Please send me the following items for which I have indicated quantities below:

OHA-PAC Brochures/Contribution Cards

OHA-PAC Letterhead

OHA-PAC Envelopes

OHA-PAC Envelopes Self-Addressed to OHA

"Frequently Asked Questions" Flyer

Sample Form Letters from CEO on diskette (indicate word processing format you use: )

Other

Person requesting supplies: Name Title Phone Number, in case of inquiries: Organization: Mailing Address:

Mail, fax or email your request to:

OHA-PAC 4000 Lincoln Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73105 FAX: (405) 424-4507

Email: marie@okoha.com

OHA-PAC Contributor Check-Off Sheet

OHA Member Name

Contact Person Phone

Contributor Name Affiliation check category(s)* T A M V A

Date Distributed

Date Received

Date Sent to OHA

Contribution Amount

* T = Trustee; A = Administrator/CEO; M = MD/Professional; V = Volunteer/Auxiliarian; A = Affiliated Society Member

Please forward contributions to: OHA-PAC

Oklahoma Hospital Association 4000 Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105

OHA-PAC Hospital Coordinator Designation Card

Please designate a Hospital Coordinator.

( ) CEO's Name Telephone

Hospital Coordinator's Name Title

Hospital Name

Address City State Zip

( ) ( ) Telephone Fax E-mail

Mail to: OHA-PAC 4000 Lincoln Boulevard – Oklahoma City, OK 73105

FAX: (405) 424-4507 or email: morrissme@okoha.com

Supporting an Effective OHA-PAC "Frequently Asked Questions"

Why do hospitals need a political action committee?

The fundamental purpose of OHA-PAC is to provide OHA and its members with an additional tool, which complements our legislative efforts.

Elected officials at the Oklahoma Capitol and in Washington, D.C. are increasingly making

critical decisions that impact Oklahoma hospitals and health systems. These decisions profoundly affect a hospital's ability to fulfill its mission of providing high quality, affordable health care.

Hospitals and health systems need a unified voice at the Oklahoma Legislature and before

members of Congress. OHA-PAC can give us this voice by helping to elect officials at the state and national level who are willing to stand up for our concerns.

The OHA-PAC allows Oklahoma hospitals and health systems to positively impact the

election of political candidates who recognize and support health care's important role in society.

Due to the tremendous financial and regulatory power the government has over health

care, the political reality is that hospitals must be willing to work closely with elected officials.

How much of my PAC contribution actually goes to candidates?

One hundred percent of your contribution is used to support candidates who understand and support Oklahoma hospitals' concerns. No portion is used for staff salaries, overhead, or for expenses associated with lobbying activities. Approximately 60% of the funds support candidates at the state level; the remainder of the funds is sent to the American Hospital Association's PAC to support national candidates who have demonstrated a continued commitment to hospitals.

Making an Impact

Who decides where OHA-PAC money goes?

Decisions to contribute to a candidate are made in consultation with the OHA government relations' staff, after careful evaluation of a candidate's voting record, political principles and positions on issues of concern to Oklahoma hospitals. Although federal and state contributions to a PAC cannot be earmarked for a particular candidate, your suggestions of candidates to receive contributions are welcomed and appreciated, and will be given careful consideration.

How are contributions presented to candidates?

Once a candidate has been selected to receive funds from OHA-PAC, the local hospital CEO may be asked to make the presentation. If a hospital CEO makes the presentation, it is helpful to include a member of the OHA staff. If the hospital CEO cannot or prefers not to make the presentation, a board member or an OHA staff member may do so. If it is not possible to present the contribution in person or at a fundraising event, the candidate is contacted by a member of OHA staff to let him/her know they will be receiving a contribution.

Do PAC contributions buy or guarantee favorable votes on particular health care issues?

No. Contrary to some beliefs, a contribution to the OHA-PAC does not buy or guarantee votes on a particular issue. However, our experience indicates that legislators who have received PAC contributions are more willing to listen to our concerns and are more supportive of hospitals' positions. By contributing to a political campaign, you are simply increasing the odds that a health care supporter will win and will keep the legislative door open after the election.

A strong OHA-PAC assures you, and other members of the hospital family, a voice before

public policymakers. Do I have to contribute a lot to join OHA-PAC?

No. Any amount is gratefully accepted and will make a significant difference in helping us shape a supportive state Legislature and Congress.

What are my options for payment? Donations to the OHA-PAC can be made by writing a personal check, by using paid-days off, a personal credit card (VISA or MasterCard), automatic bank draft, or by paying in cash. Cash donations may not exceed $50, and no corporate contributions can be accepted.

Will we endanger our organization's 501(c)(3) status by participating in the OHA-PAC?

As charitable, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, hospitals are prohibited from participating directly in partisan political campaigns. As a trade association, however, OHA and AHA are exempt (from taxes) under a different portion of the code, and are permitted to participate in political races through their joint federal/state PAC.

As long as individuals are solicited for PAC contributions by other involved individuals, on their own time and without the use of hospital resources, no hospital's tax status is jeopardized.

However, it is imperative to remember that all potential solicitees must understand that PAC contributions are voluntary and in no way a condition of job security or advancement.

Who is "fair game?" Who can we legally solicit without stepping outside the law?

Those who are considered "solicitable" must fall into two categories: the first being salaried hospital employees, the second a supervisory, managerial/administration position with professional responsibilities. If any individual within the hospital falls under the second but not the first, or vice versa, they cannot be solicited for an AHAPAC contribution.

State laws also permit contributions from non-salaried employees.

An exception to this includes hospital trustees, who have recently been approved for federal PAC solicitation under the FEC (Federal Election Commission) campaign guidelines.

Although federal law prohibits PAC contributions from hospital auxilians, our

state laws permit these contributions.

In order to comply with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), contributions received from individuals who are NOT trustees or executive or administrative personnel of an AHA member organization will be used to SUPPORT STATE CANDIDATES ONLY.

Is my contribution tax-deductible?

No. Contributions to political action committees are not deductible on federal and state income tax returns.

What is "prior authorization," and what steps need to be taken in order to obtain it?

Since OHA and AHA are in the unique situation of having institutional, rather than individual members, OHA-PAC, acting as a collecting agent on AHA's behalf, must have prior authorization from the hospital CEO before soliciting individuals employed by that hospital.

The Bottom Line: A hospital must be an AHA member institution and the CEO must agree to

have his/her employees solicited before any PAC activity is underway. Note: Contributions received from employees of hospitals which are not members of AHA will be used to support state candidates only.

How long is a "prior authorization" valid?

OHA-PAC collects prior authorizations from hospitals that cover a four-year period. Please check with Melanie Morriss at OHA on the status of this if you are uncertain.

What are the limits on individual contributions to OHA-PAC, and what are the limitations on PAC contributions directly to candidates?

According to federal law, an individual can give any one political action committee no more than $5,000 per year. The PAC, in turn, can give no more than $5,000 per candidate per election campaign. When there is a primary and general election, the maximum contribution is $10,000, or $5,000 for each campaign for federal campaigns. The limit is $5,000 per campaign per election cycle for state candidates.

Who can I call if I still have questions about the OHA-PAC?

The staff at the Oklahoma Hospital Association will be happy to answer your questions and to explain why we think joining OHA-PAC is so important. Please do not hesitate to contact Lynne White, or Melanie Morriss at (405) 427-9537.

Sample Letter to Dept. Heads From CEO (Use CEO's personal stationery, not hospital letterhead.)

Dear Management Employee: Only a few organizations warrant enough support for me to ask you to make a personal contribution. The Oklahoma Hospital Association's Political Action Committee (OHA-PAC) is one of these organizations.

I know how dedicated you are to our hospital and to this community. Increasingly, our ability to provide care to our patients and economic security for our employees is controlled or influenced by decisions being made at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C. We have to influence the political process by making sure candidates elected to the Oklahoma Legislature and the United States Congress understand health care issues and are willing to listen to our concerns. The OHA-PAC was formed in 1989 as a joint state/federal political action committee of the Oklahoma and the American Hospital Associations. The OHA-PAC strengthens the political voice of Oklahoma hospitals by supporting political candidates who are willing to stand up for our concerns and understand the fundamental role hospitals and health systems play in the future of health care.

I have already contributed to the OHA-PAC, and I hope that you will join me in becoming a supporter. Any contribution �$1000, $500, $250, $100 or $50 � will make a significant difference in our efforts to help shape a supportive Congress and state Legislature. Please take a moment to review the enclosed brochure and "Frequently Asked Questions" flyer. Once you have had time to review this information and determine how much you are able to contribute, please fill out the enclosed donation card and return it to me, so that we can forward all contributions from our hospital to the OHA-PAC.

The debate over health care will continue at the state and federal level. Decisions that impact our ability to care for our patients will be made. The only question is whether or not we participate in the debate in an effective and efficient manner. Supporting the OHA-PAC is one way you can assist our hospital in having a meaningful voice in the outcome of these critical health care issues.

Thank you for joining me in this important effort. Sincerely,

Your Name

P.S. For your convenience, you can make your contribution by personal check, personal credit card, or payroll deduction.

Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes.

Sample Letter to Hospital Trustees From CEO (Use CEO's personal stationery, not hospital letterhead.)

Dear Hospital Trustee: Only a few organizations warrant enough support for me to ask you to make a personal contribution. The Oklahoma Hospital Association's Political Action Committee (OHA-PAC) is one of these organizations. I know how dedicated you are to our hospital and to this community. Increasingly, our ability to provide care to our patients and economic security for our employees is controlled or influenced by decisions being made at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C. We have to influence the political process by making sure candidates elected to the Oklahoma Legislature and the United States Congress understand health care issues and are willing to listen to our concerns. Due to time constraints and personal and professional commitments, it is often difficult for hospital CEOs and trustees to individually participate in the political process. The OHA-PAC is one way we can participate and can let our voices be heard. By combining the financial resources of many, OHA-PAC is able to support candidates who share our concerns. The OHA-PAC was formed in 1989 as a joint state/federal political action committee of the Oklahoma and the American Hospital Associations. The OHA-PAC strengthens the political voice of Oklahoma hospitals by supporting political candidates who are willing to stand up for our concerns and understand the fundamental role hospitals and health systems play in the future of health care. I have already contributed to the OHA-PAC, and I hope that you will join me in becoming a supporter. Any contribution – $1000 , $500, $250, $100 or $50 – combined with those of other trustees, will make a significant difference in our efforts to help shape a supportive Congress and state Legislature. Please take a moment to review the enclosed brochure and "Frequently Asked Questions" flyer. Once you have had time to review this information and determine how much you are able to contribute, please fill out the enclosed donation card and return it to me, so that we can forward all contributions from our hospital to the OHA-PAC. The debate over health care will continue at the state and federal level. Decisions that impact our ability to care for our patients will be made. The only question is whether or not we participate in the debate in an effective and efficient manner. Supporting the OHA-PAC is one way you can assist our hospital in having a meaningful voice in the outcome of these critical health care issues. As a volunteer leader of this hospital, you play a critical role in shaping the future of our hospital and our community. Your contribution to OHA-PAC is simply another means available to ensure that the future political climate is favorable to this hospital's ability to continue providing valuable services to our community. If you have any questions, please contact me or call the staff at the Oklahoma Hospital Association, (405) 427-9537. Thank you for joining me in this important effort. Sincerely,

Your Name

Sample Letter to Hospital Volunteers From CEO (Use CEO's personal stationery, not hospital letterhead.)

Dear Hospital Volunteer: Only a few organizations warrant enough support for me to ask you to make a personal contribution. The Oklahoma Hospital Association's Political Action Committee (OHA-PAC) is one of these organizations. I know how dedicated you are to our hospital and to this community. Increasingly, our ability to provide care to our patients and economic security for our employees is controlled or influenced by decisions being made at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C. We have to influence the political process by making sure candidates elected to the Oklahoma Legislature and the United States Congress understand health care issues and are willing to listen to our concerns. Due to time constraints and personal commitments, it is often difficult for hospital CEOs and volunteers to individually participate in the political process. The OHA-PAC is one way we can participate and can let our voices be heard. By combining the financial resources of many, OHA-PAC is able to support candidates who share our concerns. The OHA-PAC was formed in 1989 as a joint state/federal political action committee of the Oklahoma and the American Hospital Associations. The OHA-PAC strengthens the political voice of Oklahoma hospitals by supporting political candidates who are willing to stand up for our concerns and understand the fundamental role hospitals and health systems play in the future of health care. I have already contributed to the OHA-PAC, and I hope that you will join me in becoming a supporter. Your contribution of $250, $100, $50, $25 or any amount combined with those from other volunteers, will make a significant difference in our efforts to help shape a supportive Congress and state Legislature. Please take a moment to review the enclosed brochure and "Frequently Asked Questions" flyer. Once you have had time to review this information and determine how much you are able to contribute, please fill out the enclosed donation card and return it to me, so that we can forward all contributions from our hospital to the OHA-PAC. The debate over health care will continue at the state and federal level. Decisions that impact our ability to care for our patients will be made. The only question is whether or not we participate in the debate in an effective and efficient manner. Supporting the OHA-PAC is one way you can assist our hospital in having a meaningful voice in the outcome of these critical health care issues. As a volunteer of this hospital, you play a critical role in shaping the future of our hospital and our community. Your contribution to OHA-PAC is simply another means available to ensure that the future political climate is favorable to this hospital's ability to continue providing valuable services to our community. If you have any questions, please contact me or call the staff at the Oklahoma Hospital Association, (405) 427-9537. Thank you for joining me in this important effort. Sincerely, Your Name