Greetings! Much has changed since the June edition of the ACHD Advocate. The Blueprint for a Safer Economy restrictions have now been lifted in California and we are once again open for business. As the state reopens and I embark on my second year as CEO, I am feeling a new sense of energy as we once again begin to meet with colleagues in person. Navigating the road ahead will be challenging and uncertain at times, but during recent visits with members I am reminded of all that healthcare districts have faced in the last year, how they’ve stepped up to serve their communities in innovative ways, and how their resiliency will serve them on the road ahead.
To that end, we are excited to announce that the ACHD Annual Awards are back! We look forward to recognizing members in person this year for the work they do in their communities during our 69th Annual Meeting: Recover, Refocus and Adapt. We are currently soliciting award nominations for our CEO, Trustee and District of the Year awards. Be sure to review the ACHD Annual Awards details on our website for information on the nomination process. Nominations are due July 31.
ACHD is also seeking proposals from healthcare districts who wish to present a District Best Practice at the conference. These presentations are an opportunity to share successful programs, services or policies implemented at your districts that can be replicated by other healthcare districts. You can submit a proposal directly through our website. Proposals are due July 31.
Please note that Early Bird Pricing for the Annual Meeting also expires on July 31. Be sure to register soon to take advantage of the best pricing available.
In other news, I’m pleased to announce that ACHD has been awarded additional funding from The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) to support work already underway as part of two prior awards from the foundation. This third grant will provide additional support for our work focusing on improving soft skills in the allied health professions and our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Pilot Program. This funding augmentation will allow us to expand our reach and maximize our impact. ACHD is grateful to TCWF for supporting this important work.
In closing, I am excited for what lies ahead and look forward to building on the foundation of ACHD’s efforts over the last year. As always, our members are critical to our continued success, and we are grateful for your support and engagement. I look forward to working alongside each of you as California reopens and we embark upon a return to “normal” that will inevitably look a bit different, but also serve as a reminder to not take the simple things, like connecting in person, for granted. We look forward to seeing many of you in September at the ACHD Annual Meeting!