Spring Event Report 2006

On Tuesday, June 6, HCO members and other attendees were treated to four outstanding presentations providing insight to the latest health care issues. 

 

The first speaker was Dr. Bruce Goldberg, Director of Oregon's Department of Human Services.  He focused on the top three problems facing Oregon in the health care arena: the growing population of uninsured Oregonians, the various complications with Medicare and Medicaid, and the impact reductions in drug, alcohol and mental health services is having on the entire state system.

 

Scott Gallant, Associate Executive Director of the Oregon Medical Association, touched on issues facing physicians from the "rental" of physician networks by insurance companies to the ongoing challenge of medical liability and the need for reform. 

 

Larry Wheeler, VP of Communications and External Affairs for Kaiser Permanente Northwest Region highlighted the development and ongoing focus of the THRIVE campaign.  Attendees were treated to an inside glimpse into the campaign from baseline research to the final products (television, print, radio advertisements).  Contact Bela Friedman (belaf@earthlink.net) for a copy of Larry’s presentation. 

 

Our final speaker, Kathleen Nickel, Director of Communications at Mercy Hospital in Roseburg outlined strategies for dealing with a community crisis.  She highlighted effective communications tools used when a young student in her community was shot at school and arrived at Mercy Hospital for care, requiring implementation of a comprehensive crisis communications plan.  Kathleen’s communication strategy is available here.