May 18, 2007 

AHA Conference a Success:   My first-ever American Hospital Association (AHA) Annual Membership Meeting was stimulating and productive.  The array of speakers that I heard was dazzling and included Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, and NBC White House Reporter David Gregory.

Mr. Greenspan surprised me with his observation that the most serious crisis facing health care over the next generation is not fiscal (though he quickly adds that it is a looming and potentially devastating problem), but is instead the health care workforce shortage.  He simply does not see how health care will attract enough qualified workers to adequately care for the number of Americans (particularly baby boomers) who will need health care. 

Certainly, Western New York already faces a severe shortage of health care workers.  WNYHA will keep you informed as we explore some ways to help all of our members address the current (and looming) workforce shortage.

Congressional Visits:  While in Washington, I was able to meet with several of our Western New York congressional representatives, all of whom are on board with us when it comes to resisting the President's cuts in the health care budget and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulatory effort to impose a pre-emptive 2.4% rate reduction for two years.  Although we are truly preaching to the choir when we speak about health care with our members of Congress, I consider it extremely important to meet with them and their staffs to highlight our areas of concern, give them more information, and express our gratitude for their support.

It's An Honor:  I received a letter from State Senator Joseph Bruno (R-Brunswick) indicating that on the recommendation of Senator Catharine Young (R-Jamestown), the Senate is forwarding my name to the Governor's office to make me a member of the first Executive Committee to oversee the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped.  I am honored and eager to serve on this committee.

Rural Health Council:  A Rural Health Council meeting is slated for June 7; please let me know of the issues/concerns you would like me to raise at that meeting. 

Don't Forget:  Our annual meeting is June 11.  HANYS' President Daniel Sisto and Jim Larranaga, head basketball coach at George Mason University, will be our guest speakers.

HANYS' Conference:  By now you have received your invitation to HANYS' Annual Membership Conference at The Sagamore, June 20-22.  The program is very impressive and I enthusiastically urge you to attend.