May 21, 2021 - 11:20 AM by Rick Pollack As our country continues to emerge slowly from the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of America’s hospitals and health systems – and the 6 million women and men who work there – has never been more apparent. The bravery, compassion and unwavering dedication of our caregivers have saved countless lives, helping to restore families and preserve entire communities. One of the many ways hospitals are continuing to meet the mission of advancing health in America is through building integrated systems of care. Integration can mean better care, improved access, greater ability to respond to disasters and lower costs for patients.