Alliance advocates for health care systems that play crucial role in caring for state’s most vulnerable residents
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) President & Chief Executive Officer David Verinder has been named chair of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, “marking the second time he has been selected to lead the statewide organization representing Florida’s flagship safety net health systems,” SMH staff announced this week.
“Verinder will serve a two-year term on the 14-member board of directors,” which is “composed of CEOs from teaching, public, children’s and regional perinatal intensive care hospitals,” a news release explains. “The Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida advocates for the state’s safety net health care systems, which play a crucial role in caring for Florida’s most vulnerable residents, providing essential and highly specialized medical services and training the next generation of physicians,” the release points out.
As chair, Verinder “will help set the organization’s strategic direction and work with its executive leadership and member health systems to advance state and federal policies and funding priorities that support access to high-quality care for Floridians,” the release continues. “The safety net hospitals are public or not-for-profit, mission-driven facilities that put patients before profits and reinvest their earnings locally in health services, facilities, equipment, innovation and jobs,” the release points out. “While they comprise only about 10% of Florida hospitals,” the release notes, “they provide the lion’s share of safety net care across the state.
“Florida’s safety-net hospitals have a tremendous responsibility to ensure that people have access to the care they need, regardless of their circumstances,” Verinder said in the release. “I’m honored to once again serve as chair and work with hospital leaders across the state to strengthen that mission and ensure these vital health systems can continue meeting the needs of the communities they serve.”
“Verinder has served as president & CEO of Sarasota Memorial for the past 12 years, the release says. Prio to that, he was SHM’s chief operating officer (2010-2014) and chief financial officer (2006-2010), the release notes.
During his 30-year career, it continues, he has served on numerous leadership and health care industry boards.