View PrintableJune/July 2006
June 01, 2006
Dear Colleagues,
A few weeks ago we held our annual Spring Conference at Salem Hospital - and what a great success! The energy of the room was buzzing with 32 attendees who thoroughly enjoyed the half day event. The four diverse speakers were terrific - and feedback on the returned evaluation forms was very positive, with most rating the conference "excellent" or “good.” Thanks to everyone participating and making this event a success!
For those of you unable to attend, a summary of what you missed is listed below. Those that attended heard that the HCO Board is working on partnering opportunities with other communications organizations, and also are working on the Fall Conference, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 3. If you have ideas for speakers you would like to hear, or suggestions for activities you would like to see offered by HCO, please send them to me at belaf@earthlink.net.
Tom Eiland, Membership Chair is currently working on our membership drive to increase membership. What can you do to help?
- Look around your office. Who do you know should sign up for HCO?
- Are you a former member? If so, now is the time to renew! Each year brings more members, knowledge and commitment to our industry.
- How many of your clients work in healthcare? Have you told them about HCO - the opportunity to network with peers, the wealth of information at our conferences and other events, the member discounts at all events?
- What more can you do? Annual dues are only $45, and if your company already has a current membership, additional memberships are only $40. Join today. Download an application here.
Do you have questions about becoming a member of HCO? Is there someone you’d like us to contact? If so, let us know. Email Tom Eiland at tome@cfmpdx.com, I know he’ll be happy to tout the benefits of HCO.
Meanwhile, have a wonderful summer and we’ll see you at our upcoming events. If you’re new to HCO, be sure to introduce yourself to Tom or myself.
Best regards,
Bela Friedman
HCO President 2006
SPRING EVENT REPORT
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 posted on the HCO website.
JOB OPENING
Providence Health System, Marketing and Communications is currently accepting applications for a Public Relations Coordinator. The PR Coordinator II will have a bachelor's degree in health care, marketing, journalism, or public/media relations. Candidates with a master's degree will be given preference. A minimum of five years of experience in direct strategic healthcare communications is required. Employee must have demonstrated experience in working directly with senior level executives. A minimum of eight years experience in communications or a related field is required. This position requires the skills of strategy planning, program implementation, writing, presentations, and the ability to work with PHS executives and other key internal and external audiences. Candidate must display vision, creativity and innovation in his/her thinking, and must be highly motivated. For more information, apply at: https://lawson.ijob.com//servlet/com.lawson.ijob.QuickCandidate?vendor=138&j.
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
St. Charles Medical Center -- St. Charles Foundation Receives International Honor for their "Expanding the Vision Through Photography" community outreach project. Read more...
St. Charles Medical Center -- St. Charles Foundation Receives International Honor for their "Expanding the Vision Through Photography" community outreach project. Read more...
BE FEATURED IN THE NEWSLETTER!
Do you have news for HCO members? Do you have ideas for member of the month or the organizational profile? Would you like to post a job opening? Has your company done something newsworthy recently? Contact Hannah Clegg at clegghe@ah.org to submit your information in the HCO newsletter.
