Abbott Northwestern Hospital Recognized for a Century of Membership in the American Hospital Association

[Allina Health Newsroom, April 03, 2025] This week the American Hospital Association (AHA) presented the “AHA 100-year Milestone Award” to Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital. AHA’s Regional Executive Liz Summy, FACHE, presented the award to David Joos, president of Abbott Northwestern Hospital and senior vice president of Allina Health’s Southwest Region, during a regional visit.

The award recognizes Abbott Northwestern Hospital for 100 years of participation and leadership in the AHA. While founded in 1898, AHA’s first year of admitting institutional members began in 1919. Abbott Northwestern Hospital was among the earliest members in the AHA. 

Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital has a long, proud history of serving its community for more than 140 years. The hospital is the largest private hospital in Minnesota’s Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and is locally and nationally recognized for its clinically distinctive programs in cardiovascular, neuroscience and oncology and its exceptional care. Each year, the hospital serves more than 200,000 patients and their families from across the Twin Cities and upper Midwest. The health system recently attained Magnet designation – the highest national honor in nursing excellence – for the fourth time in a row, and it appears on the 2025 U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals list for the sixth straight year.

AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. It advocates on behalf of nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, our clinician partners and the health care leaders who belong to its professional membership groups.

“The American Hospital Association is proud to recognize Abbott Northwestern Hospital for a century of membership in the AHA and for their continued commitment to their patients in Minneapolis, the state of Minnesota and the region,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack.“Like many hospitals that were founded as singular entities to serve a distinct community, Abbott Northwestern Hospital is a cornerstone of Allina Health and the entire health care system that serves thousands of patients the upper Midwest every year.

“It is an honor for Abbott Northwestern Hospital to receive this recognition,” said Lisa Shannon, president and CEO, Allina Health. “Our strong partnership with AHA has helped us advocate for and deliver the best care possible for all who need it, and today we are excited to continue our partnership.

Joos added, “Achieving this historic milestone is a testament to our long-standing commitment to the community and affirms our ongoing efforts to create a thriving health care campus and be the community’s trusted health ally.