Hartford HealthCare's New Recognition for Leadership
Hartford HealthCare shines with prestigious awards
Recently, Jefferson A. Flaks, the President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare, was honored with the Steven Schroeder Award for Outstanding Healthcare CEO, as announced by Costs of Care and The Leapfrog Group. This esteemed accolade highlights exceptional leadership in tackling the critical issues of healthcare quality and affordability.
The award was unveiled during The Leapfrog Group's Annual Meeting, where Mr. Flaks was recognized not just for his role as a leader, but also for his dedication to shaping a health system that prioritizes outstanding patient outcomes while making care more accessible and affordable for all. The award serves as a symbol of commendation from Costs of Care, a nonprofit aiming to foster healthcare transformation for equitable access, alongside The Leapfrog Group, which advocates for patient safety and transparency in healthcare service delivery.
Dr. Chris Moriates, the Executive Director of Costs of Care, remarked, "We strive to encourage leaders in the healthcare industry, like Jeffrey Flaks, to see that quality and affordability go hand in hand." The responsibilities of healthcare CEOs include conveying the message clearly that making care affordable is essential to enhancing patient experience.
The commitment of Hartford HealthCare is evident, as six of its hospitals received an "A" grade in The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, while two were awarded the Top Hospital Award. Furthermore, five out of their surgery centers were honored with the 2025 Top ASC Award, reflecting the dedication of its staff, clinicians, and leadership.
A Unique Approach to Quality and Cost-Effectiveness
Jeffrey Flaks' vision has transformed Hartford HealthCare into a national benchmark for quality and equitable healthcare delivery, catering to over 28,000 patients daily. The system utilizes a strategic framework, A2E2—Access, Affordability, Health Equity, and Excellence—to guide initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery.
Some remarkable achievements in quality under Mr. Flaks' leadership include:
- Receiving the American Hospital Association's prestigious Quest for Quality Prize 2025, making Hartford HealthCare the only system to hold this accolade.
- A significant reduction in hospital-acquired infections by 76% over the last decade.
- A 67% decrease in serious safety events since 2019, showcasing a commitment to patient safety.
Moreover, the organization’s affordability initiatives highlight its proactive approach:
- The Neighborhood Health program has facilitated care for underserved communities with over 12,000 patient visits since its inception.
- Medical Mission Days offered free healthcare and resources to countless individuals.
- Over 43% of surgeries are now performed in lower-cost, high-quality ambulatory settings, resulting in a cost reduction of 26%.
- Hartford HealthCare is ranked among the top 20% nationally for price transparency, supporting patients in understanding their financial situation.
Mr. Flaks stated, "This recognition reflects the wonderful culture and extraordinary individuals that constitute Hartford HealthCare. Our team continuously innovates to provide world-class care while improving accessibility and affordability. This award embodies our shared commitment to transforming healthcare for every individual we serve."
Achieving Excellence: The Awards Keep Coming
Hartford HealthCare hospitals have also garnered accolades for their admirable performance in The Leapfrog Group's Hospital Survey, which evaluates facilities based on quality and patient safety benchmarks, including infection rates, surgical practices, and maternal care protocols.
- For the fifth consecutive year, Hartford Hospital was recognized as a Leapfrog "Top Teaching Hospital," being among only 73 hospitals nationwide to praise in 2025.
Cheryl Ficara, RN, MSN, president of Hartford Hospital, expressed, "Such recognition highlights our unwavering dedication to center patient experience at the forefront of our operations."
- In addition, Windham Hospital achieved the Leapfrog Top General Hospital Award for the second consecutive year, one of just 36 hospitals nationwide to hold this title.
Windham President Donna Handley indicated, "This commendation is a testament to our team's unrelenting pursuit of excellence in clinical practices and patient safety."
Commitment to Surgical Safety
All five eligible Hartford HealthCare ambulatory surgery centers received the accolade of being among the Top Ambulatory Surgery Centers nationwide for outstanding clinical outcomes and high safety standards.
Karen Goyette, the system executive vice president and chief strategy and transformation officer, stated, "This achievement stands as a testament to Hartford HealthCare and our ASC partners' significant commitment to excellence in care delivery, ensuring patients can access quality and affordable healthcare."
Since the program's inception in 2022, Hartford HealthCare ASCs have secured nine Top ASC designations, highlighting a notable recognition cycle:
- HHC Cheshire Surgery Center, honored for consecutive years.
- HHC Southwest Connecticut Surgery Center received acknowledgment for the second straight year.
- HHC Hartford Surgery Center, awarded a recognition for its consistent performance.
- HHC Rocky Hill Surgery Center received its second acknowledgment.
- HHC Surgery Center East in Waterford, noted for its inaugural recognition.
Legacy of the Steven Schroeder Award
The Steven Schroeder Award celebrates exceptional individuals in healthcare leadership, honoring Dr. Steven Schroeder, a distinguished figure in health and health care education. Dr. Schroeder’s influence has inspired many to advocate for higher quality and more affordable healthcare.
Reflecting on Mr. Flaks' contribution, Dr. Schroeder stated, "Jeff Flaks exemplifies remarkable achievements in maintaining quality while promoting accessibility. His emphasis on community service sets a standard for leadership in healthcare that others might aspire to emulate." This year's ceremony marks the eighth annual Steven Schroeder Award for outstanding leadership in healthcare.
Understanding Costs of Care
Costs of Care is an influential nonprofit organization focused on creating change in the healthcare landscape. Since its establishment in 2009, it has been at the forefront of gathering insights and experiences from healthcare professionals and patients, highlighting opportunities to bolster value in care delivery.
In addition to its acclaimed STARS program for training future healthcare professionals, Costs of Care is dedicated to enhancing resources that empower medical trainees and practitioners in addressing healthcare costs efficiently. They have fostered educational resources, including frameworks and workshops to design high-value care improvements.
The Affordability Moonshot initiative launched in December 2019 aims to eliminate the burden of choosing between life and finances for patients, expanding advocacy for affordable healthcare solutions.
As Hartford HealthCare continues to pave its path in healthcare, its offerings span across 500 locations and 185 towns, ensuring every community has access to safe and innovative healthcare practices.
This holistic approach, accentuated by world-class hospital care and multidisciplinary services, underlines Hartford HealthCare's commitment to healthcare excellence.
For more insights, visit the Hartford HealthCare official website and join in their mission to enhance patient-centered care and community health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Steven Schroeder Award?
The Steven Schroeder Award recognizes healthcare CEOs who demonstrate exceptional leadership in promoting quality and affordable healthcare.
Who is Jeffrey A. Flaks?
Jeffrey A. Flaks is the President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare, recognized for his transformative leadership and commitment to enhancing healthcare quality and affordability.
What does Hartford HealthCare focus on?
Hartford HealthCare emphasizes access, affordability, health equity, and excellence in healthcare delivery across its network.
How many hospitals does Hartford HealthCare operate?
Hartford HealthCare operates a comprehensive care system involving multiple hospitals and healthcare services across a wide region.
What awards has Hartford HealthCare received recently?
The organization has received numerous accolades, including top ratings from The Leapfrog Group and the American Hospital Association's Quest for Quality Prize.
