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Lauf Will Help Lead Collaborative Efforts to Strengthen Healthcare Access for Patients and Support Caregivers Across the Commonwealth Hyannis, MA – January 31, 2025 – President and CEO of Cape Cod Healthcare, Michael K. Lauf, MBA, has been elected as the 84th Chair of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Board of Trustees. MHA serves as the united voice for the commonwealth’s hospitals and health systems. Lauf was elected to the ssociation’s top board post during its 88th Annual Meeting on January 30, 2025. In the coming year, MHA’s Board will maintain its intense focus on the recovery of local hospitals and health systems, all of which have absorbed a relentless series of pressures dating back to the beginning of the pandemic. It will advocate with a united front to ease the capacity pressures, workforce shortages, and administrative burdens that are now challenging timely patient care across the commonwealth, and to restore financial stability to the state’s most important sector. MHA and its Board will also build upon Massachusetts’ world-renowned legacy for healthcare innovation. Its priorities will include advancing state-of-the-art care outside the hospital, reimagining what an empowered healthcare profession looks like, and closing care disparities in new and creative ways. “Our patients are at the center of all we do - from large academic medical centers to smaller community hospitals, serving our patient populations with high-quality care is our purpose. Massachusetts thrives on the strength of its diverse healthcare system and the pride its providers take in working together toward one common mission, with that patient-centric approach at the forefront,” said Lauf. “That is what our work through MHA is all about. For more than a decade, I have seen our hospitals and health systems accomplish tremendous things together, and I am honored to help lead our collaboration around exceptional patient care in the year to come. There is no challenge too big and no opportunity too bold for Massachusetts healthcare.” Lauf brings a wealth of leadership experience to MHA’s Board, as well as a steadfast dedication to community hospitals. As President and CEO of Cape Cod Healthcare since 2010, Lauf has led the organization through significant advancements in quality, service, and operational excellence. Under his leadership, Cape Cod Healthcare—a system comprising two acute care hospitals, the Cape’s largest home health agency, and a range of other facilities—has achieved strong financial and strategic growth, putting $1 billion of investments into the healthcare system without the issuance of new debt, while prioritizing patient access, investments in leading-edge technology, process improvements and workforce development. Lauf’s deep understanding of community healthcare was shaped by his prior roles, including Chief Operating Officer of Bristol Medical Center in Tennessee and President of Miners Medical Center in Pennsylvania. With his background in public service as a former staff member for U.S. Representative John P. Murtha, Lauf combines policy expertise with a passion for driving innovative solutions in healthcare. “As one of the longest-serving hospital CEOs in the commonwealth, Mike exemplifies everything our healthcare community stands for: compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to community,” said MHA President and CEO Steve Walsh. “Mike leads with conviction and a constant urgency to improve care, and that’s what makes him the perfect person to steer our Board in the year ahead. We are grateful to have his voice at this pivotal time for patients and healthcare professionals.” About Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association The Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA) serves as the unified voice for Massachusetts hospitals and healthcare providers. Founded in 1936, MHA represents over 100 hospitals, healthcare partners, and patients across the state. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, MHA’s mission is to improve the overall health of the commonwealth and support providers’ efforts to offer high-quality, affordable, and accessible care. For further information about MHA, please visit https://www.mhalink.org/ or contact communications@mhalink.org. About Cape Cod Healthcare Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 600 providers, over 5,000 employees and over 250 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare is comprised of two acute care hospitals, the Cape’s leading provider of homecare and hospice services (VNA), six urgent care centers, a primary and specialty care network, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility, and numerous health services and programs. For more information, visit the Cape Cod Healthcare website at www.capecodhealth.org. For the latest in relevant and credible healthcare news, visit www.capecodhealthnews.com.