James November-December 2024 web - Flipbook - Page 37
I
n 2022 the Georgia
Health Care Association (GHCA)
tapped Chris
Downing as its
president & CEO.
He brought with him nearly three
decades of experience in promoting
healthcare policy initiatives at the
state and federal levels and a strong
track record of driving organizational
success. Described by those who
know him best as a dynamic and results-driven leader, he has expertise
in government relations, health care,
strategic planning and wide-ranging
business and political relationships.
Prior to taking over the GHCA
helm, Downing served as vice
president of government relations
for Enhabit Home Health & Hospice,
one of the nation’s largest home
health and hospice providers, and
he served in the same capacity for
Kindred At Home and PruittHealth
Corporation. In these roles, he
oversaw federal, state and local
government relations efforts
and directed all legislative
strategies related to Medicaid,
Medicare and regulatory matters. He has also served in
senior level positions in the
U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services.
“My nearly three
decades of experience
and expertise in government relations, health
care, strategic planning and relationship
building prepared me
for this CEO position,”
said Downing. “I was
drawn to the president & CEO position
because, as a former
GHCA member, I served in Association leadership positions and my
personal mission aligns with the
Association’s mission to serve as a
strong voice on behalf of the vulnerable individuals cared for in Georgia’s long term care communities. I
care deeply about the work we do,
and honored that I represent the incredibly compassionate individuals
who provide life-enhancing care.”
GHCA’s Mission
The Well-being of Aging Georgians
Since its inception over 60 years
ago, GHCA has committed itself to
the well-being of Georgia’s aging
population, working tirelessly to
ensure quality care, advocacy, and innovation in nursing homes, assisted
living facilities and other long-term
care settings.
GHCA advocates the improvement of services, regulations and
policies that impact the care and
quality of life for seniors and others
who require long-term health services. And with hundreds of member
facilities statewide, GHCA works to
enhance the quality of care through
education and resources that promote high standards within the
industry. It especially works closely
with government agencies and other
trade and professional associations
in developing, amending, and implementing sound legislation, regulatory
policies and standards of care. This
work includes the development of
necessary and reasonable public
policies that balance economic and
regulatory principles to support quality care and quality of life.
“To achieve these goals, we
provide education, conventions and
networking events throughout the
year to give our members the tools
they need to succeed,” said Downing.
“Our members consistently exceed
national averages for overall ratings
on yearly performance measurement
and benchmarking satisfaction surveys and continue to cultivate leaders within their centers who demonstrate deep dedication to quality and
clinical excellence.”
The bottom line, Downing says,
“is to protect and ensure access to
high quality, patient centered care for
our residents and patients.”
Advocacy for Seniors
A Voice for the Vulnerable
It is significant that GHCA
represents 93 percent of the state’s
skilled nursing centers, 54 percent
of the state’s Elderly and Disabled
Waiver Case Management agencies
(SOURCE/CCSP) and a growing number of assisted living communities,
according to Downing. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by the strong
group of professionals who comprise
the GHCA team, and together we
will continue to represent the best
interests of our members and their
residents and patients,” he added.
Downing went on to say that
GHCA uses their platforms to amplify the positive story of long-term
care. “Every day—through countless
acts of care and compassion—our
members are enhancing the lives
of those they serve, and we use our
voice to share the amazing things
happening in Georgia’s long term
care communities.”
Facing & Overcoming Challenges
Downing faces the ongoing
healthcare workforce crisis head-on:
“While our workforce challenges
predate COVID-19, more than 5,300
caregivers left the long-term care
profession during the pandemic. Our
member nursing centers want to
hire more staff but continue to struggle to recruit and retain caregivers.
More than 1,200 workers are needed
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