John Jurczyk, president of St. Joseph Hospital, was recently selected as New Hampshire’s Grassroots Champion by the American Hospital Association. Courtesy photo/St. Joseph Hospital

NASHUA – After taking the helm at St. Joseph Hospital five years ago, John Jurczyk was recently selected as New Hampshire’s Grassroots Champion by the American Hospital Association.

Jurczyk was nominated by the New Hampshire Hospital Association for his “engagement and advocacy efforts on behalf of St. Joseph Hospital.”

“He is committed to doing the work to build relationships every day and is an outstanding advocate for St. Joseph Hospital and hospitals in New Hampshire,” said NHHA President Stephen Ahnen.

In 2021, Jurczyk began offering tours of the hospital’s Senior Behavioral Health Unit to state and federal officials. The 24-bed unit was constructed during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic without the use of state or federal funding.

Jurczyk has also testified before the State Senate’s Health and Human Services Committee in favor of Senate Bill 263, which would permanently reauthorize the expansion of Medicaid.

Jurczyk said it is an “immense honor” to be chosen as a Grassroots Champion.

“This recognition is a testament to the remarkable achievements of the dedicated team at both St. Joseph Hospital and the New Hampshire Hospital Association, who continuously work towards improving the health and well-being of our communities,” he said. “The New Hampshire Hospital Association has been an invaluable partner in our collaborative endeavors to actively engage legislators and elevate healthcare in our state. Through their proactive approach in addressing barriers to exceptional care, the NHHA has exemplified a mission-oriented mindset that sets them apart nationwide. Collaborating closely with such an organization is truly a privilege.”

Prior to arriving at St. Joseph in August 2018, Jurczyk was president of the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Mass. for four years.

The Grassroots Award was created for hospital leaders who “most effectively educate elected officials at both the national and state level on how major issues affect hospitals’ vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital and who are tireless advocates for hospitals and their patients.”

Although the award is given every year, only one hospital administrator in each state is recognized as a Grassroots Champion.