In honor of his years of service, a dedication ceremony was held in Fishersville, Virginia to celebrate the retirement of Senator Emmett Hanger. On June 20, Augusta Health and the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association organized the event, where a special commemorative bench was unveiled in Senator Hanger’s honor. This bench will be installed outside the entrance of Augusta Health as a lasting symbol of appreciation for his contributions to the community.
Senator Hanger, who is originally from Staunton, has served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1983 to 1992 and later in the Virginia Senate from 1996 to 2024. One of his most significant achievements was pushing through Medicaid expansion on May 30, 2018, which provided healthcare coverage to over 400,000 Virginians. For his efforts, Senator Hanger received several prestigious awards, including the “Health Care Advocacy Award” from the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and the “Hero in Health Care Extraordinaire” award from the Virginia Health Care Foundation alongside Governor Ralph Northam.
Mary N. Mannix, President and CEO of Augusta Health, praised Senator Hanger for his leadership and dedication to expanding healthcare access in Virginia. She highlighted his tireless efforts, energy, commitment, and compassionate listening skills that made a significant impact on the community. Senator Hanger’s work alongside Augusta Health has helped advance the healthcare landscape in the Valley by showcasing his commitment to serving the needs of local communities.
As one of the few remaining independent community hospitals in Virginia, Augusta Health is governed by a board composed of community members who advocate for their neighbors’ well-being. Senator Hanger’s steadfast commitment to local communities exemplifies this spirit perfectly as he continues to serve as an advocate for those who need it most.
The dedication ceremony was well-attended by state and local government officials who paid tribute to Senator Hanger’s contributions and leadership abilities that have fostered collaborative communities throughout his career.
In conclusion
