New Alliance Gives HR Professionals a Place to Get Real Answers on Employee Benefits

Columbus-based group launches to help employers cut healthcare costs while improving care quality

HR professionals across Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma now have somewhere to turn when employee benefits questions feel impossible to answer.

The Employers Healthcare Alliance launched this week as a nonprofit community where HR and benefits leaders can learn from each other, access trusted resources, and find practical solutions to healthcare challenges. The organization hired CPR Strategic Marketing Communications to handle public relations, bringing three decades of healthcare sector expertise to the effort.

Robert McCollins founded EHA after seeing too many employers struggle with the same problems: rising costs, limited options, and no clear path forward. "Employers are overwhelmed by complexity and lack of dedicated time, and too often they're told there's no alternative," McCollins says. "EHA exists to change that narrative by giving HR/benefits professionals clarity, confidence, and easy-to-find and implement actionable solutions."

The alliance operates through four pillars:

• Social — A trusted peer community for collaboration

• Education — Ongoing learning through webinars and events

• Advocacy — Representing employer interests in healthcare discussions

• Value — Practical strategies for better benefits at lower costs

  
  

Members get access to networking opportunities, educational events, and a Digital Resource Library of vetted solution partners. The organization welcomes HR and benefits professionals from companies of all sizes and funding types.

McCollins sees EHA as a counter to the one-size-fits-all insurance model. "This isn't about chasing the cheapest plan. It's about not settling for good or even accepting better but demanding the best benefits for their work families. When employers collaborate and learn from each other, everyone wins."

Laura Carabello, principal at CPR Strategic Marketing Communications, says the firm's healthcare focus made the partnership natural. "Our entire team looks forward to communicating the value of membership in EHA and positioning the organization for growth nationwide."

Healthcare costs continue rising faster than wages, and many HR professionals handle benefits alongside a dozen other responsibilities. EHA offers a judgment-free space where asking questions doesn't risk exposure or embarrassment. Membership in 2026 is free.

HR professionals interested in joining can visit employershealthcarealliance.com to complete a membership request form.

About The Employers Healthcare Alliance

The Employers Healthcare Alliance is a nonprofit managed, employer-powered HR/Benefits community dedicated to simplifying healthcare, improving benefit outcomes, and lowering costs through education, advocacy and actionable benefit strategies.

About CPR Strategic Marketing Communications

CPR Strategic Marketing Communications develops and implements integrated positioning campaigns that drive market awareness and increased revenues for healthcare entities. Learn more at cpronline.com.