Oklahoma Hospital Association

10/09/2026

10/08/2026

This latest episode of OHA’s Inside the 1581 podcast, recorded during OHA Connect 2026, features conversations with hospital leaders about the current state of healthcare. They share perspectives on the challenges facing hospitals, the role they play in their communities and opportunities to improve health across the state.

In this episode, Jay Johnson, president and CEO of DRH Health in Duncan and chair of the OHA Foundation for a Healthy Oklahoma board, discusses his perspective on the healthcare landscape in Oklahoma. He also shares how his hospital is supporting the Duncan community and the importance of collaboration among hospitals across the state. Episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

www.insidethe1581.com

10/06/2026

Thank you to the healthcare leaders and professionals who joined us last week for OHA Connect. From educational sessions and keynote speakers to networking opportunities and conversations about the issues shaping healthcare, your participation helped make this year’s event a success.

We also extend our thanks to our sponsors, exhibitors and partners for their support in making OHA Connect possible. Your contributions help OHA bring healthcare leaders from across Oklahoma together to learn, connect and share ideas. We look forward to seeing everyone again at OHA Connect next year!

10/05/2026

OHA congratulates Lillian Rivas, a second-year Master of Health Administration student at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, on receiving the 2026 David J. Falcone Student Achievement Award. Rivas holds a bachelor’s degree in public health from the University of Central Oklahoma and has gained experience in healthcare quality, operations and community health through internships with Mercy, INTEGRIS Health and WellSpace Health. She also serves as president of the OU Healthcare Executive Student Association, where she works to create professional development opportunities and strengthen connections between students and healthcare leaders.

10/02/2026

CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman joined OHA Connect as the keynote speaker, sharing stories and a message of appreciation with healthcare workers and hospital leaders from across Oklahoma and beyond.

During his keynote, Hartman reflected on the healthcare workers he has met through his work and emphasized the impact they have on the patients and communities they serve.

Click the link below to watch the KWTV - NEWS 9 story and hear more from Hartman about his experience at OHA Connect

CBS News' Correspondent Steve Hartman visited Oklahoma to be the keynote speaker at the Oklahoma Hospital Association conference.

10/02/2026

OHA congratulates Richard P. Lofgren, MD, MPH, former president and CEO of OU Health, on receiving the 2026 Award of Merit. Lofgren served as the inaugural president and CEO of OU Health beginning in 2022 and retired earlier this year following a more-than 40-year career in healthcare. He has served on the OHA board as an at-large member since 2023 and has spent his career focused on health care delivery, quality improvement, health system transformation and academic medicine.

Left to right: Bennett Geister, OHA board chair; Richard Lofgren, former CEO of OU Health; Rich Rasmussen, OHA president and CEO

10/01/2026

OHA congratulates Timothy Pehrson, chief executive officer of INTEGRIS Health, on receiving the 2026 Advocacy in Action Award. Pehrson has been a strong advocate for Oklahoma hospitals and patients at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C., including efforts to preserve and protect Medicaid expansion. Under his leadership, INTEGRIS Health has expanded its statewide network of hospitals, healthcare services and community programs. Pehrson also serves as chair of the Oklahoma Workforce Commission and is active in Oklahoma’s broader business community.

Left to right: Bennett Geister, OHA board chair; Timothy Pehrson, CEO of INTEGRIS Health; Rich Rasmussen, OHA president and CEO

10/01/2026

OHA congratulates Denise Webber, FACHE, president and CEO of Stillwater Medical, on receiving the 2026 W. Cleveland Rodgers Distinguished Service Award. Webber has served as president and CEO of Stillwater Medical since 2016 and has been an active leader within OHA, serving on the OHA board since 2018 and as board chair from 2024-2025. She has also served on the OHA Education Council and the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board. Throughout her career, Webber has been a strong advocate for healthcare improvement, leadership development and the communities served by Oklahoma hospitals.

Left to right: Bennett Geister, OHA board chair; Denise Webber, president and CEO of Stillwater Medical; Rich Rasmussen, OHA president and CEO

09/25/2026

Get the OHA Connect 2026 mobile app before next week’s event.

The OHA Connect mobile app puts the event schedule, speakers, Exhibit Hall details, instant alerts and more at your fingertips. You can also create personalized lists to plan the sessions, speakers and exhibitors you want to see during the event.

Download the OHA Connect 2026 app by clicking the link below from your smartphone or tablet. The link will automatically direct you to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can also search for “OHA Connect 26” in your device’s app store.

Click the link below to download the app and get ready for OHA Connect, Sept. 29-Oct. 2.

https://tripbuilder.net/ws/apps/nonexistant.php?folder=oha26

09/24/2026

OHA’s Vice President of Clinical Excellence Emily Coppock, RN and Oklahoma CareerTech State Program Manager for Health Science Education Lara Morris joined News 9 to discuss the annual Explore Healthcare: Oklahoma Virtual Career Expo and what students can expect from the statewide event.

The Virtual Career Expo gives students an opportunity to explore the wide range of careers available in healthcare, including clinical and nonclinical roles, while also hearing directly from healthcare professionals during live Q&A sessions.

The Virtual Career Expo will be held Friday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click the link below to watch the interview and learn more.

The virtual career expo will allow students to learn about health care careers and get the opportunity to interact with professionals.