President of Griffin Hospital in Derby named CT 2018 Grassroots Champion

Griffin Hospital and Griffin Health Services President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Charmel, right, receives the Connecticut 2018 Grassroots Champion award Thursday from Connecticut House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and state Sen. George S. Logan./ Contributed photo

The American Hospital Association and Connecticut Hospital Association Thursday recognized Patrick A. Charmel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Griffin Hospital and Griffin Health Services Corporation, as Connecticut’s 2018 Grassroots Champion at its 100th Annual Meeting at Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

The AHA Grassroots Champion Award, given annually to one person in each state, was created to recognize hospital leaders who effectively educate elected officials about how major issues affect hospitals’ roles in the community, who have expanded the base of community support for hospitals, and who have been advocates for hospitals and patients.

The award recognizes Charmel’s exceptional leadership in advocating for hospital priorities. He is an active and engaged advocate, speaking at press conferences at the Capitol, and educating legislators on major issues impacting hospitals today. 

“Pat Charmel is a vocal advocate for hospitals,” said Jennifer Jackson, CEO, CHA. “He speaks eloquently and passionately with legislators about the importance of policies that improve patient care and adequately fund Medicaid. In partnership with the AHA, we are pleased to honor him with the 2018 Grassroots Champion Award.”

Charmel is a member of the CHA Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, and a former Chairman of the CHA Board. 
He is the current Chairman of CHA’s Diversified Network Services Board, a member of the Financial Oversight Committee, and a member of the Committee on Hospital Finance. 
Over the years, he has served on many CHA committees, subcommittees, and work groups. 
Additionally, he was an American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board 1 Member from 2003–2006. 

He is also Chairman of the Board of Planetree International, Chairman of the Value Care Alliance of Connecticut, Chairman of the Central Connecticut Board of Directors for the American Heart Association, Member of the Connecticut State Innovation Model Initiative, Member of the Health IT Advisory Council, and Member of the Board of Directors of the Valley United Way.

Charmel, who has led Griffin Hospital since 1998, developed and implemented consumer-driven, person-focused services that result in high patient satisfaction, while maintaining high operational efficiency.

About the CHA

The Connecticut Hospital Association has been dedicated to serving Connecticut’s hospitals since 1919. 

Through state and federal advocacy, CHA represents the interests of Connecticut’s hospitals on key healthcare issues in the areas of quality and patient safety, access and coverage, workforce, community health, health equity, and hospital reimbursement.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.