ALM and AHVAP Partner to Advance Alignment in Healthcare Textile Decision-Making
Richmond, KY, March 27, 2026
Collaboration will strengthen clinical decision-making around linen as a medical supply and its impact on patient safety, cost, and contract performance
The Association for Linen Management (ALM) today announced a strategic partnership with the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP), bringing together operational expertise and value analysis leadership to better align how linen is evaluated, utilized, and managed across healthcare systems.
Linen plays a critical role in the patient care environment, yet it is often managed as a commodity rather than a medical supply with direct implications for infection prevention, cost performance, and contract integrity. This is where we have an opportunity to step in and bring clarity and consistency.
While linen is often evaluated based on processing and product selection, risk frequently emerges in how it is handled inside the facility. Inconsistent practices can impact infection prevention, drive cost variability, and create misalignment with contract expectations.
Together, ALM and AHVAP will focus on advancing evidence-informed, operational best practices that improve product evaluation, strengthen utilization, reduce variation, and support more predictable and aligned contract outcomes.
“This partnership bridges bedside care with decision-making at the value analysis level,” said Sarah Brobeck, President & CEO of ALM. “Linen touches every patient, every day, and when handling practices are inconsistent inside the facility, we see breakdowns that impact infection prevention, cost, and contract performance.”
“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to bridge two vital areas of healthcare operations,” said Hudson Garrett Jr., Executive Director of AHVAP. “By combining AHVAP’s deep expertise in healthcare value analysis with ALM’s extensive knowledge of the textile care and linen management industry, we can develop the rigorous, evidence-based frameworks that healthcare organizations need to make informed product selection decisions. Ultimately, this collaboration is about elevating patient safety and clinical outcomes through smarter, data-driven practices.”
Key areas of collaboration will include joint education, development of practical guidance for healthcare organizations, and initiatives that connect day-to-day practices with broader clinical, operational, and financial priorities.
AHVAP, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is the preeminent professional association for healthcare value analysis professionals, dedicated to ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and efficient value-based care. ALM, headquartered in Richmond, Kentucky, serves more than 2,500 members and is the leading professional association for the textile care and linen management industry, offering certification programs, educational resources, and industry networking.
Additional details on joint initiatives and educational opportunities will be shared in the coming months. Members of both organizations are encouraged to visit www.ahvap.org and www.almnet.org for updates.
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About ALM
The Association for Linen Management (ALM) equips the laundry and linen industry with the tools and resources to operate more effectively and efficiently. With more than 2,500 members, ALM is the leading professional association for the textile care industry, offering education, certification, and best practices to advance professional excellence. Learn more at www.almnet.org.
About AHVAP
The Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP) is the leading professional association for healthcare value analysis professionals, leaders, and stakeholders. AHVAP is dedicated to ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and cost-effective care through data-driven decision-making and the advancement of value analysis practices across the healthcare continuum. Learn more at www.ahvap.org.
Please contact Sarah Brobeck, Association for Linen Management for inquiries: sbrobeck@almnet.org or call 859.624.0177.
