07/01/2026
Last month, long-term care leaders from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., to advocate for policies that support residents, caregivers, and providers.
As we reflect on the importance of advocacy, we’d also like to thank Angela Westhoff, President and CEO of the Maine Health Care Association, for joining us at our New England 1 Market award celebration last month and sharing powerful insights on the impact of advocacy in long-term care.
Angela highlighted several recent accomplishments in Maine, including reforming nursing facility reimbursement rates, opposing harmful staffing mandates, and advancing policies that better recognize the real cost of providing quality care. As she reminded attendees, these are “system-shaping, future-defining accomplishments” that happen when providers refuse to sit on the sidelines.
She also spoke to the critical need to invest in the workforce, noting that competitive wages and benefits are essential to attracting and retaining the caregivers residents depend on every day.
Perhaps most importantly, Angela emphasized that “advocacy is a team sport.” The progress being made across our industry is only possible because of the collective efforts of caregivers, center leaders, providers, associations, residents, families, and advocates working toward a common goal.
We are grateful for Angela's leadership and for the partnership of state health care associations across the country as they continue to champion policies that strengthen long-term care and support those who dedicate their lives to serving others. ❤️
