U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., is the first recipient of the Kansas Hospital Assn.’s Distinguished Health Care Advocate Award. He was honored at the association’s annual convention and trade show last week in Topeka.

The award recognizes individuals, organizations or groups who provide exemplary contributions to the health and well-being of Kansans in the political or policy arena.

Moran was nominated by Susan Page, president and chief executive officer of Pratt Regional Medical Center, and Jim Reagan, chief executive officer of Morris County Hospital in Council Grove.

Moran is a steering committee member and former chairman of the congressional Rural Health Care Coalition, and he was the principal sponsor of an expansion of the J-1 Visa Waiver program, which brings more physicians to rural areas.

The Kansas Hospital Assn. is a nonprofit organization of health care provider organizations and individuals who are committed to the health improvement of their communities. Membership includes 136 member facilities, of which 125 are full-service community hospitals.