AzHHA recognizes Grassroots Champion and Legislator of the Year award winners
Phoenix, Ariz. (Oct. 22, 2026) – The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) announced the winners of the Grassroots Champion Award and Legislator of the Year Award earlier today at a luncheon as part of the 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference in Tucson.
The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with AzHHA, recognized Steve Purves, former president and CEO of Valleywise Health, with the Grassroots Champion Award for demonstrating exceptional grassroots advocacy as a healthcare leader. He is highly engaged with elected officials at the state and federal levels, regularly serving as a trusted resource on healthcare policy issues and advocating for Arizona hospitals and the patients they serve.
“Steve has been a powerful voice for Arizona’s hospitals and health systems, bringing the realities they face, particularly the challenges confronting safety-net providers, directly to policymakers and helping them understand how policy decisions affect hospitals’ ability to care for their communities,” said Mary Naylor, regional executive, Region 8, with AHA, who presented the award. “Through his advocacy, his national and state leadership positions and his ability to build meaningful relationships with lawmakers, Steve has helped ensure the experiences and needs of hospitals are heard and understood. His leadership exemplifies the impact recognized by the AHA Grassroots Champion Award.”
“Steve has built a strong culture of advocacy at Valleywise Health, encouraging healthcare leaders and staff to stay informed, get involved and advocate for their patients and communities,” added Ann-Marie Alamaddin, president and CEO of AzHHA. “His longtime support of the AzHHA Political Action Committee (PAC), both personally and across his organization, reflects his commitment to ensuring Arizona’s healthcare community has a strong voice.”
AzHHA presented its 2026 Legislator of the Year Award to Representative Selina Bliss (R-Dist. 1). Rep. Bliss is being recognized for her steadfast advocacy for hospitals and the healthcare community during this year’s legislative session. Particularly, her involvement with SB1127 (duty to report; abuse; neglect) ensured that healthcare providers and hospital staff are protected and can still delegate to hospital staff when child abuse reports need to be made with the Department of Child Safety. As chairman of the House and Health Human Services Committee and a nurse and nurse educator, Rep. Bliss understood why that protection matters, especially for rural and resource-limited hospitals.
“Representative Bliss brings a nurse’s perspective to every healthcare conversation at the Capitol,” said Damien Johnson, director of government relations with AzHHA. “On SB1127, she ensured Arizona’s child abuse reporting law protects children without pulling caregivers away from the bedside when patients need them most. Her steady, practical leadership has made a real difference for Arizona hospitals and the patients we serve.”
AzHHA is proud to recognize these healthcare leaders for their tireless commitment to advancing health and healthcare in Arizona.
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About the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association
AzHHA brings together diverse voices to advance health and healthcare in Arizona. As the champion for healthcare leadership in Arizona, AzHHA and its member hospitals explore ideas and take collaborative action at the state capitol, in hospitals and at home to achieve the best healthcare outcomes for our communities. Above all else, we put people and patients first through better care, better health and lower costs. Visit azhha.org for more information.