On June 20, Augusta Health and the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association held a special dedication ceremony and reception to honor Senator Emmett Hanger’s retirement. The event was an opportunity to express gratitude for his years of service to the community. The ceremony featured the unveiling of a commemorative bench in Senator Hanger’s honor, which will be installed outside the entrance of Augusta Health as a symbol of enduring appreciation.
Senator Hanger, a Staunton native, served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1983 to 1992 and later in the Virginia Senate from 1996 to 2024. He successfully pushed through Medicaid expansion on May 30, 2018, providing healthcare coverage to over 400,000 Virginians. For his efforts, Senator Hanger was honored with 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, commended Senator Hanger for his leadership and dedication to providing access to healthcare to additional Virginians through the expansion of Medicaid. She highlighted Senator Hanger’s tireless efforts, energy, commitment, and ability to listen, making a significant impact on the healthcare landscape in the Valley. Senator Hanger, as a community member himself, exemplifies a commitment to the communities served by Augusta Health.
Augusta Health is one of the few remaining independent community hospitals in Virginia and is governed by a board composed of community members who advocate for the needs of neighbors, businesses, medical staff, and team members. Senator Hanger’s attendance at