IHI Statement on Florida
We have heard from members of the IHI community who are not comfortable traveling to Florida for our annual IHI Forum, which has been held in Orlando regularly over the past 25 years and will be held there again this year. Others are disappointed that we are continuing to host our conference in Florida amid a political climate that runs counter to our mission to improve health and health care worldwide. We hear your concerns and share your frustration.
IHI is deeply concerned about recent legislation and practices in many states, including Florida, that jeopardize the health and safety of our patients, families, and communities. The evidence shows that laws and policies that restrict abortion, deny health care for transgender individuals, and weaken gun control present clear and direct threats to health and safety and contribute to more lives lost. These actions, as well as hostile rhetoric, have contributed to an environment in which many individuals do not feel safe or respected in the state of Florida.
We have also heard from doctors, nurses, hospitals, and community-based health care organizations in Florida who say they need IHI's help now more than ever. Recent challenges have severely impacted their ability to deliver high-quality care. We believe patients and health professionals need organizations like IHI to stand with them and support their efforts to deliver equitable and safe care to the people of Florida.
In addition, we are actively soliciting proposals from cities and states that could host the IHI Forum following the expiration of our contract in December 2024. With every IHI Forum, wherever it is, we will pursue our mission of improving health and care by using our collective voice to drive change on issues that are both important to the local health and health care community, and critical to improving health and saving lives. Our Forum program will feature topics such as reproductive health, transgender care and access, health equity, gun violence prevention, and climate change.
Despite our objections and concerns, we are encouraged by our partners and collaborators in Florida, including our colleagues at the Orlando World Center Marriott, who remain committed to improving health and care for all. But for those of you who do not feel safe or comfortable attending a conference in Florida, we understand. Please know that we deeply regret the circumstances that have produced your justifiable concerns. In addition to the in-person program, we will be offering a virtual IHI Forum experience that includes live streaming of all the main stage events, including all Keynotes and Spotlight sessions.
