AHA announces Carolyn Clancy, John A. Hartford Foundation as recipients of 2026 Award of Honor

The AHA April 16 announced that it will present its 2026 Award of Honor to Carolyn Clancy, M.D., former director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and The John A. Hartford Foundation. Both recipients will be honored during a ceremony April 20 at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C. The award is given to individuals or organizations exemplifying leadership on major health policy or social initiatives.

Clancy, who led AHRQ from 2003-2013, is being recognized for her efforts on care quality and patient safety. Before retiring this year she served as the assistant under secretary for health for discovery, education and affiliate networks at the Veterans Health Administration. She worked with the AHA for decades as an advisor and collaborator.

"Carolyn has had a remarkable career as a transformative leader, continuously improving American health care," said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. "Her contributions to quality, safety, system performance and leadership development have benefited the entire hospital field and will leave a lasting legacy for patients and communities across the country."

Accepting the award for The John A. Hartford Foundation will be Rani E. Snyder, president, Terry Fulmer, president emerita and John Mach, board chair. The foundation, which has worked on improving care for older adults for more than 40 years, has worked with the AHA on initiatives to advance communities that foster healthy aging.

"The John A. Hartford Foundation has led the charge in enhancing care for older adults to better meet their needs," said Pollack. "The AHA applauds the organization's decades of leadership and advocacy, as their impact continues to help hospitals and health care systems provide better care to older patients."