March 21, 2007

Our New Look:  Atop this update is the new Western New York Healthcare Association logo.  The logo is a creative blend of the look of the HANYS logo, with a distinctive Western New York twist.  We will be rolling out our new look in many venues--stationery, business cards, folders, and other materials--as time goes on.  We are confident this revamped image more aptly represents the energy, robustness, and vibrancy of the Western New York Healthcare Association as we continue to explore ways to make our service to you even more valuable.

Budget Talks:  It has been an exciting few weeks since I last wrote.  During that time, HANYS has played, and continues to play, a vital role in the delicate budget negotiations that continue in Albany.  HANYS and WNYHA continue to work for the best outcome for health care.  Toward that end, WNYHA held a series of legislative meetings across the region and we have received great support from our members and sympathetic ears from our elected leaders.  One elected leader told us that calls in his office were running 100-1 in favor of restoring the health care cuts.

Rural Health Council:  At the last meeting of the Rural Health Council, I voiced my concern over the impact of the Governor's budget on health care.  There was discussion of proposed cuts, such as workforce recruitment and retention funds; these funds are especially important for rural areas.

I also expressed concern about the lengthening delays and increasing obstacles toward securing J-1 visa waivers, and the Council agreed heartily with that.  As a result, I expect the Council to continue the discussion at our next meeting.  Under-served areas rely heavily on J-1 visa physicians.

AHA Meeting:  During my recent trip to Washington, D.C. I was able to meet with Richard Umbdenstock, President of the American Hospital Association (AHA) and several of his key staff, as I had a whirlwind orientation to the many resources accessible from AHA.  I look forward to working with AHA and to using its services to help serve our association members.

Thank You:  Thank you to all the members who attended HANYS' Advocacy Day (we had 22 more attending this year than last year from Western New York) and who participated in our legislative briefings.  Your involvement in these activities is paramount to their success.